National Party leader John Key says a relationship accord and confidence and supply agreement negotiated with the Maori Party will ensure a stable National-led government during the next three years.
The agreement announced on Sunday differs from those signed with the United Future and ACT parties in that while the Maori Party will support the National-led Government on confidence and supply, it is not required to vote for legislation on policies in National's action plan.
"On everything else besides confidence and supply, the Maori Party will decide support or not on a case-by-case basis," Prime Minister John Key says.
Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples will be become minister of Maori affairs, associate minister of education and associate minister of corrections. The positions are outside cabinet.
Co-Leader Tariana Turia will be minister responsible for Whanau Ora, minister for disability issues, associate minister of health, and associate minister of housing. She will also continue to have associate ministerial responsibilities in the areas of social development and employment.
The deal will give the National-led government some insurance in the 121-seat parliament, after Saturday's final election results saw National lose a seat.
It holds 61 votes with the two ACT and United Future MPs and the support of the Maori Party will give it a further three votes.
Mr Key is expected to announce his new cabinet on Monday, with the ministers to be sworn in on Wednesday.
NZN