Kiwis react to new government announcement

NZ First leader Winston Peters has announced a new government will be formed with Jacinda Ardern as new Prime Minister.

Peters has announced a coalition deal with the Labour Party and the Green Party.

The news comes 26 days after election day. NZ First has been negotiating with National and Labour for days, with Peters having moved the deadline for the announcement to this afternoon.

After days of nervous anticipation, New Zealanders finally heard the news from the kingmaker at 7pm.

"We believe that 11 days from start to finish is not too long to wait," Peters said during his announcement.

He proceeded to compare the New Zealand election to the German election.

He said this was a decision made by NZ First, not by its leader.

"This decision represents the majority in an MMP environment," he added.

NZ First believes an economic slowdown is looming and capitalism must "regain its human face".

New Zealanders took to Twitter to express their views on Peters' announcement.

I've been waiting to post this for way to long. But today is a good day. #Decision17 #NZpol #WeChangedTheGovernment @nzlabour @NZGreens pic.twitter.com/V1FLZzg6Qi

— Nathan J. Williams (@NJWilliams_) October 19, 2017

It’s a girl for NZ #NZPol

— Paula Andrews (@PAPhotos) October 19, 2017

Well I guess that brings a whole new meaning to labour weekend. #Election2017

— Angela March (@AngelaMarchPR) October 19, 2017

A 37 year old FEMALE PRIME MINISTER! #nzpol pic.twitter.com/KntYxHn9rN

— Rachel Baker (@RachelBkr) October 19, 2017

Congratulations, @jacindaardern. Welcome to the top of the food chain. pic.twitter.com/3L09fjDP1d

— House of Cards (@HouseofCards) October 19, 2017

Congrats to First Gentleman @NZClarke! Pretty among The Greens! pic.twitter.com/3LIzTU9J1I

— Tim 'Eat My Piss' Batt (@Tim_Batt) October 19, 2017

I knew he was a fan of the Winnie Reds #nzpol pic.twitter.com/iwCFevkOKD

— Michael (@manapouriman) October 19, 2017

#NZpol pic.twitter.com/3sYK7OwN0Y

— IT'S PIZZA TIME! (@geniesaurus) October 19, 2017

Money back to the mental health sector now!!!

— Anika Moa (@Anika_Moa) October 19, 2017

Change. YES. So proud of our country right now!!

— Robyn Malcolm (@robynmalcolm) October 19, 2017

View this post on Instagram

Play us something we all know! Fix our health sector, fix our suicide rates, fix our rivers and please fix our country @jacindaardern our amazing wahine toa Prime Minister. #yasssssssssssqueeen

A post shared by Anika Moa (@anikamoa) on Oct 18, 2017 at 11:34pm PDT

A number of memes have also appeared online.