Goff, Key cast votes early

John Key, left, and Phil Goff cast their votes. Photos / Herald on Sunday

Leaders of both major parties have cast their votes this morning.

National leader John Key cast his vote at Parnell School and will spend the rest of the day with staff before cleaning the bathroom.

Mr Key walked from his Parnell home to the booths with his wife Bronagh this morning.

Mr Key said he headed into polling day feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation, but "refreshed" after a quiet night at home last night.

This afternoon he will spend some time with his electorate staff in Helensville and then do chores his wife Bronagh has given him, including cleaning his ensuite bathroom.

Mrs Key said the last five weeks had been busy for everyone. While she was looking forward to seeing more of her husband, "I do like to be in charge of the remote control."

He will spend tonight at home with his office staff and family, including his two sisters who travelled from the United Kingdom and Christchurch. He will head into National's main event in Auckland later in the evening.

Labour Party leader Phil Goff has cast his vote at a school in his Mt Roskill electorate just after the polls opened at 9am.

Goff joked with waiting media that they could not ask him anything as he entered Wesley Intermediate.

"This is perfect," he said, before stopping as he realised he had left wife Mary in his wake.

After voting, Goff was greeted by wellwishers and given an "I've voted" sticker by a young girl.