The New Zealand dollar held above 73 US cents after Saturday's general election saw the incumbent National Party win the most votes, putting it in the box seat to negotiate the formation of a new government.
The kiwi traded at 73.30 US cents as at 8am in Wellington from 73.39 cents on Friday in New York, and up from 72.83 cents at last week's local close. The trade-weighted index advanced to 76.66 from 76.33 last week.
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The Bill English-led National Party won 46 per cent of the popular vote on Saturday as it seeks to win a rare fourth term in government, more than the rival Labour-Green bloc with a combined 43 per cent. Both groups need New Zealand First to secure a parliamentary majority, however leader Winston Peters has said he won't make a decision until October 12 when the result is officially delivered to the Governor General.