In just under two hours - we'll have a clearer picture of the shape of the next government.

The final results of the election will be announced at 2 o'clock this afternoon following the counting of around half a million special votes.

Provisionally National and ACT have 61 seats in a 121-seat Parliament, but that could well change.

Whatever happens - National has said formal negotiations on governing arrangements will start - with ACT and potentially New Zealand First.

Political reporter Giles Dexter spoke to Charlotte Cook.