Updated at 7:44 pm on 31 January 2013
Prime Minister John Key has signalled he is likely to announce next year's election date months early, as he did in 2011.
In a surprise announcement on Wednesday, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the federal election would be held on 14 September this year.
Mr Key said on Thursday he will consider his options over this year's Christmas break, but is once more likely to announce the election date earlier rather than later.
He said when he announced the election date early in 2011, that was mainly related to New Zealand's hosting of the Rugby World Cup.
Copyright © 2013, Radio New Zealand
Audio is categorised based on the frequency of the programme it was heard in. Click on the headings below to access the programmes. For the most recently published audio, go to the latest audio page.
Streams are in Windows Media format. Mac and Linux users may need to install additional software. Get help with audio
A selection of music interviews, reviews, videos, concerts, sessions, and performances.
Downloads and podcasts are available for selected programmes. Our podcast page has a complete list of feeds.
Help on using online audio: formats, software, podcasts, downloading, and troubleshooting.