New Zealand National party secures lead over ruling party

With 88% of the vote counted, New Zealand's opposition National Party has secured a substantial lead over the ruling Labour Party in Saturday's general elections.

According to the nation's Electoral Commission, so far the National Party has secured 50 seats in the 121-seat Parliament, following by Labour with 34 seats.

So far the Green Party has won 13 seats, ACT New Zealand 12, New Zealand First Party eight, and the Indigenous rights Te Pati Maori party four.

One seat was added just days ago to Parliament from its normal 120 seats after the unexpected death of one of the candidates. A by-election will select the 121st member.