New Zealand's election count shows the two largest parties running neck and neck. New Zealand's general election count has left the country's two largest parties locked in an unusually tight race, with early results showing neither bloc holding a clear path to govern alone without the support of smaller parties.

Electoral officials said preliminary counting from polling places across both the North Island and South Island showed vote shares shifting only marginally through the evening, a pattern that has made the overall outcome noticeably harder to call than it was in either of the previous two general elections held in the country.

Coalition talks are expected to dominate the days ahead regardless of which bloc finishes narrowly ahead, since minor parties are likely to hold the balance of power in Wellington once negotiations begin. Final results, including special votes cast overseas and by New Zealanders living abroad, are due to be confirmed in the coming weeks.