Opposition parties say they are readying themselves for an early election amid new speculation John Key will go to the polls in September or early October.
Sources say Key wants to hold the election before November's G20 leaders' meeting in Brisbane and Apec Summit in Beijing.
He will also want to avoid clashing with home All Black games in August and early September, the final Bledisloe Cup test on October 18, and Labour Weekend, the final weekend of October.
Pundits are betting on September 27 or one of the first two Saturdays in October.
Yesterday, Labour leader David Cunliffe said: "I wouldn't rule out that National will go considerably earlier than that if they feel desperate. This is an election that we are ready to fight.