New Zealand's National Party clinches deal to form government

Christopher Luxon is holding talks with other parties (Mark Mitchell/NZ Herald via AP)

Renju Jose and Lucy Craymer

New Zealand's National Party said on Thursday it has reached an agreement with ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First to form a government, ending weeks of negotiations and political uncertainty with the country under a caretaker government.

The centre-right National Party won the largest share of votes in New Zealand's October 14 general election but needed the support of both right-wing ACT New Zealand and the populist New Zealand First parties to form a majority government.