Prime Minister Helen Clark and National's leader John Key were quick to congratulate Barack Obama when he won the US presidential election.
"The New Zealand Government very much looks forward to working with the new Obama administration," Miss Clark said.
"New Zealand and the United States have a long history of friendship and co-operation. We look forward to building on what is already a strong relationship with the United States."
Miss Clark said Mr Obama would be taking office at a critical juncture.
"There are many pressing challenges facing the international community, including the global financial crisis and global warming," she said.
"We look forward to working closely with President-elect Obama and his team to address these challenges."
Miss Clark also paid tribute to John McCain.
"I commend Senator McCain on a hard-fought campaign, and wish him well for the future."
Mr Key said Mr Obama's victory was historic.
"I look forward, if I am prime minister of New Zealand, to having a strong working relationship with him," Mr Key said.
Asked whether he saw any implications for Saturday's election here, Mr Key said there had clearly been a strong mood for change in the US.
"Whether that will pervade for a strong mood for change in New Zealand we will only find out on Saturday night, but here's hoping," Mr Key said.
Mr Key said it was important from New Zealand's perspective to advance a free trade agreement with the US.
"We are at a strategic disadvantage because Australia has one and we don't," he said.
"At this stage it is difficult to determine whether Mr Obama will have that prerogative from Congress, or wish to progress an FTA with New Zealand.
"If I am prime minister I will be working hard to make sure that our case is firmly heard in Washington and that New Zealand is successful, if at all possible, in getting an FTA with the US."
