Wellington  - New Zealand's Labour Party, which was defeated at the weekend's general election after ruling since 1999, elected Phil Goff, 55, as its new leader on Tuesday.

Goff replaces Helen Clark, 58, who had led the party for 15 years, the last nine as prime minister. Clark resigned after the conservative National Party won Saturday's election. She is staying in parliament and will be Labour's spokeswoman on foreign affairs.

Goff, who has been a member of parliament since 1981, apart from three years when he lost his seat, has held the foreign affairs, trade and defence portfolios.

Annette King, 61, becomes deputy leader of the party, replacing former finance minister Michael Cullen.

Goff told a news conference that Labour accepted voters' opinion that it was time for a change after nine years but pledged to be a strong, united opposition that would rebuild to challenge the Nationals at the next election in 2011.

"We believe that we can make this a one-term National government," he said. (dpa)