Wellington  - New Zealand's conservative National Party took an early lead over the ruling Labour coalition as votes were counted in Saturday's general election.

With 39 per cent of the party vote counted, television channels predicted the Nationals and their allies could have 67 seats in the new parliament against 49 for Labour and their Green coalition partners.

New Zealanders have two votes - one for their local constituency member of parliament and the other for a party. The party vote is the most important in deciding the government.

The Nationals had 47 per cent of the vote against Labour's 32 per cent, with the Greens the only other party above the 5 per cent needed to guarantee seats in parliament.

The Maori Party was also polling well and on course to win at least five of the seven seats reserved for the indigenous people. (dpa)