NZ election date moved to 17th October

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has moved the election date to 17 October and says she will not be changing it again.

Radio New Zealand reports the COVID-19 outbreak in Auckland has forced the suspension of political campaigning and prompted calls to postpone the general election.

Ardern says there's no suggestion New Zealand will be in elevated alert levels at the time of 19 September.

She says the participation of voters, ensuring a fair election and certainty that the election is held in a timely way are all key considerations.

With that in mind, she says the election will be moved by four weeks to 17 October.

[Source: Radio NZ]