National Party leader John Key says the election is about the future of New Zealand and New Zealand families.
Prime Minister Helen Clark announced on Friday that the country will go to the polls on 8 November, saying trust will be a major theme of her Labour Party's campaign.
Parliament will be dissolved on 3 October, after a number of valedictory speeches from departing MPs.
National says it will run a positive, forward campaign and will not resort to personality attacks.
Mr Key on Friday welcomed the election date announcement, saying new Zealanders have the chance to rule a line under the past three years.
He says Miss Clark is not in a position to talk about trust, after controversy about what she knows about the New Zealand First party donations row.
Mr Key says he brings a fresh perspective to New Zealand, and is not a deeply ideological person who is embroiled in the debates of 30 years ago.
He says National will not look to run a campaign based on personalities, but on the issues facing New Zealand.
Mr Key says National will not run what he calls a 'fear factor' campaign.
