WELLINGTON, Oct 14, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - Polling booths opened in New Zealand's general election Saturday, with prime minister Chris Hipkins seeking a third-term for his centre-left Labour party.

Voting stations opened at 0900 (2000 GMT Friday) and will close at 1900 (0600 GMT). New Zealand has strict election-day laws about campaigning and media reporting to prevent voters being swayed.