KEY POINTS:
Key figures from politics, business and other areas have started giving their reaction to Prime Minister Helen Clark's announcement that the election will be held on November 8.
John Key, National Party leader
"It's not about the old political battles of the past 20 or 30 years.
It's about New Zealand's future, it's about the future of New Zealand families, it's about seizing the opportunities of a new century in a positive, optimistic way", Key said.
Key said National would run a four- to five-week campaign and he was not going to use it attacking Helen Clark.
"The voters will decide that - they've had nine years of her," he said.
Dr Pita Sharples, Maori Party co-leader
"We were well-prepared for the last election, and this time we are even better prepared and in a much stronger position.
"We are calling on all our supporters to step forward and do whatever they can to help make this the most successful election possible for the Maori Party, in the interests of the nation," he said.
Tariana Turia, Maori Party co-leader
"This election gives voters a chance to judge very clearly the performance of each of the parties on Treaty issues."
Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons
It was good the months of speculation had ended, and re-voiced her call for a fixed election date "so that in future we don't waste time wondering when, but get on with the work".
Green Party co-leader Russel Norman
Said he hoped the election would be fought on policy rather than personal attacks.
United Future leader Peter Dunne
His party was ready for the election, which gave the chance for "a new mandate and a fresh start".
"The Prime Minister says this will be an election about who you can trust - she is right. United Future, as the voice of the silent majority, will keep the next government on track, allowing it to earn that trust."
Act leader Rodney Hide
The election "can't come quick enough".
"Kiwis are sick and tired of Helen Clark's 'nanny-knows-best' - and now unprincipled - Government."
Cameron Brewer, head of the Newmarket Business Association
"Finally the business community knows exactly when the election will be. Knowing the date makes operating a business a bit easier. For example, business can make concrete plans around its advertising schedules. That is they now know when not to advertise. More importantly, such certainty generally helps business and consumer confidence.
"It has been a long, cold and wet winter for business. It has not been helped by all the political turmoil and uncertainty about the election date, particularly given this election will be a watershed one."
- NZHERALD STAFF, with NZPA