New Zealand's center-left parties join forces to oust gov't

New Zealand's two main center-left parties have signed an historic agreement to cooperate in ousting the center-right National Party from government in next year's election.

The Labour Party and the Green Party on Tuesday released a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in which they committed to work cooperatively to change the government, including closer work in the Parliament and possible joint policy announcements or campaigns.

"It is our intent to build on this agreement to offer New Zealanders the basis of a stable, credible and progressive alternative government at the 2017 general election," Labour Party leader Andrew Little said in a joint statement from the parties.

A government led by the Labour Party -- the bigger of the two parties in Parliamentary representation -- would provide better housing, health and education and a cleaner environment while building a sustainable economy with decent jobs, said Little.

"When Labour and the Greens have actively cooperated and campaigned together, New Zealanders did perceive our parties as a credible alternative to National," Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei said in the statement.

"New Zealanders want to see politicians working together. This MOU lets people see we are a strong and stable alternative to the current government."

The National Party, which came to power under Prime Minister John Key in 2008, was elected to a third term in 2014.

The government's poll ratings have remained stubbornly near the 50-percent mark despite public concern over a raft of issues, including a housing crisis in the largest city of Auckland. Endit