"Let me say this, whether you voted for National or not, tonight you have my pledge," a triumphant Prime Minister -elect Mr John Key said in his victory address.
"I will lead a government that serves the interest of all New Zealanders. And it will be a government that values individual achievement. And it will be a government that supports those who cannot support themselves. And it will be a government we can all be part of."
More than 2.1 million votes were counted, delivering National 59 seats in a 122-seat Parliament.
Labour finished with 43 seats, a result Miss Clark told anguished Labour supporters she took responsibility for.
Meanhwile, PM Helen Clark shocked pundits by immediately tendering her resignation.
"My job as leader of the Labour party is complete.
"I'll be standing down and expecting Labour Party colleagues to elect a new leader by Christmas."
With its right-wing allies ACT and United Future, a National-led administration will command 65 seats - though Mr Key has signalled he will still talk to the Maori Party, which ended with 5 seats after taking Te Tai Tonga from Labour.
On the other hand, Mr Key said he wanted to represent New Zealand at this month's Apec meeting in South America - if his government can be inducted in time.
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