The country needs a political hero to save our faith in the system. SIENA YATES reports.

When John Key and Phil Goff delivered their election night speeches, a clearly articulated vision for the next term was nowhere to be heard, writes NATALIE FINNIGAN.

She talks to political observers about why we rarely see the sort of rhetoric delivered by David Lange and the Kennedys.

The Maori electorates have taken on a different composition with the Maori Party only winning three seats. NICK GRAY and TENNESSEE MANSFORD report.

A slight victory for ACT but to party members, it is not enough.

Preliminary results as posted by the Electoral Commission.

Before the election, child poverty hotly-debated.

The Greens have grown their vote by five percentage points since the last election. TESSA JOHNSTONE ponders the keys to their success.

Labour MP proud to have turned around local fortunes.

He says NZ First adds a political dynamic for his tenth term.

Chris Hipkins and Trevor Mallard retain Rimutaka and Hutt South.

Click here to see our coverage timeline of the election, referendum, and reactions from other news outlets and social media.

Heading back to Parliament after stunning comeback.

Mojo Mathers misses out by one seat in the party vote.

A leading lobbyist says political parties don’t want surprises during campaign. NATALIE FINNIGAN reports.

National expects to run against Andrew Little if that happens.

James Shaw confident party will reach its target of 10%.

Wellington electorate victories of little cheer to party faithful.

Around 54% show support, with 94.9% of advance votes counted.

But candidates relaxed at Wellington Central HQ.

Election drinking game and anti-National events popular.

Jack McDonald waits for news with his colleagues at San Fran.

After big effort by 300 supporters, Greens party at Bath House

New Zealand is one of the only countries to allow permanent residents to vote. CHRISTINE LINNELL reports.

Election officials are happy to get in on the act, too.

Still, sunny day greets Wellington voters for ’11 election.

Election anarchy hits Wellington in fiery protest.

As Wellington voters awoke to a fine day, NewsWire’s first shift of reporters and photographers – JENNIFER GILBERT, DANIELLE NORMAN, MOHAMMAD NAZAYER AND KIMBERLEY McCOMBIE – were out to begin our Election Day 2011 coverage.

Faafoi majority up marginally on election result.

Nats and their policies are being mocked on Facebook.

National wants to sell, Labour wants to borrow.

The islands could end up with half a clinic, say Greens.

Voting gives three year contract from which MPs can’t be sacked.

Electoral Commissions makes video for deaf and hearing-impaired voters.

Labour and Greens pushing for more regulation of news media.

Crowd raises issues at final candidates meeting.

Parliament should reflect the people it represents.

It was dignified question time over tea and cakes.

Candidates agree that changes must be made.

They have involved gambling, super, military training and voting, writes SARA GREIG.

Election busines comes first for most Porirua candidates.

Taupo bike race multitudes get their own election booths.

National MP would not take their Ohariu vote, or their bait.

Parish platform perfect pulpit for political pontificating

It could be costly if procedures are not followed.

THE Greens look set to storm into office this election – at least according to an unscientific poll of the NewsWire team’s family and friends.

NewsWire students elbowed, cajoled and annoyed their contacts into telling us what they will do at the ballot box on Saturday, and the results are, well, interesting.

Bill’s author disagrees on including privacy clause.

Conservatives say alcohol is cheaper than milk.

Saturday night we’ll know if the political polls were right.

More online streaming of NZ’s political future.

Hecklers’ drown out candidates at final Wellington Central.meeting

The Electoral Commission is warning people using social media they could be fined up to $20,000 if they post anything on polling day that influences voters.

Most non-media people are unaware of the risk, according to a NewsWire survey. TESSA JOHNSTONE and RODNEY BROWN report.

Greens, Nats disagree on Hutt transport needs.

James Shaw and Tane Woodley break the radical mould.

Labour, Maori and Mana candidates talk child health.

Anti-National Cuba St rally urges voters to cast an educated vote.

But they are reasonably satisfied with their political representation. CHRISTINA FITZWATER reports.

Are Chatham Islanders New Zealand’s most apathetic voters?

Candidate tosses in his own question for opponents.

Transport policy prioritises public transport over holiday highway.

If Greens gets 12% or more, Mojo Mathers will be in Parliament.

Newswire street poll shows those over 60 most informed

Party’s list policy keeps young voice in Parliament

And Mel Gibson is more recognisable than the PM.

Victoria University professor says religion not a factor in election.

Are they better off going it alone or setting up a party?

Trade Minister’s stance not trustworthy, says pharmacy expert.

Voters seek answers about taxing the rich.

Poverty is the biggest issue in New Zealand for Maori voters in Porirua who want change. TENNESSEE MANSFORD reports.

NewsWire photographers monitor billboard vandalism over the days leading to polling day, November 26.

Independent candidate will be getting his skates on.

Educating voters about the MMP and voting choice a difficult task.

People show little knowledge of this year’s election referendum.

A total of 135,000 new voters should go to polls next week.

Jobs are an issue but business commentator Rod Oram questions the reality of job creation policies. Brendan Manning reports.

Politics academic sees nothing radical and meaningful

Wellington band takes political satire to new lengths

Rangitkei meatworker picketers know that better than most.

Hughes on policies, Greenpeace and National billboards.

Thousands score free music when they check enrolment.

Small but informed crowd at first referendum meeting.