Political outlook.

The article presents a forecast on political conditions in New Zealand and its relations with other countries for the period of 2011 to 2015. The National Party could defeat the main opposition Labour Party at the general election to be held in November 2011 if it is able to maintain its popularity. The relationship between New Zealand and Australia is expected to deepen during the forecast period, underpinned by the formal 1983 Closer Economic Relations agreement between the two countries.