Clark calls election for Nov. 8, giving room for tax cut boost

Friday 12th September 2008

Prime Minister Helen Clark called the election for Nov. 8, giving the Labour-led coalition time to reap the benefits from the first round of tax cuts next month.

"We in Labour will be talking about our vision for the future of New Zealand," Clark said at a press conference in Wellington. "Labour is ambitious for New Zealand. National is ambiguous."

The parliament will be dissolved on Oct. 3, allowing a five-week campaign from nomination day on Oct. 14. The government has been buoyed by a closing of the poll gap with National, though it has suffered fall-out from the inquiry into New Zealand First's campaign donations.

The first round of tax cuts kicks in on Oct. 1 and there may be signs of revival in the economy heading into the fourth quarter. The Treasury has predicted the economy will climb out of a three-quarter slump starting in October.

By Jonathan Underhill

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