New Zealand's general election has delivered an uncertain political result, with the final shape of the next government still undecided.
Preliminary figures released by the Electoral Commission following Saturday's vote give the National Party 42 seats, Labour 36, the Greens 16, ACT 13, New Zealand First 12, the Opportunity Party seven and Te Pāti Māori five.
National, ACT and New Zealand First together hold a projected 67 seats in a 131-seat Parliament.
That leaves the existing governing bloc only one seat above the 66 needed for a majority.
The Commission says approximately 399,000 special votes are estimated to remain outside the preliminary count, including overseas votes. These ballots could change the allocation of seats.
For Pacific communities across Auckland, Wellington and other parts of Aotearoa, the outcome will shape decisions about healthcare, housing, employment, education and Pacific representation.
Labour deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni has been a prominent Pacific voice during the campaign, while parties across the political spectrum have sought support from Pacific voters.
The official result is scheduled for 27 November.
Until then, the preliminary numbers should not be treated as confirmation of which parties will form the next government.
