The country should know next year's election date early in the new year

The Prime Minister's confirmed he'll announce the date at the start of the year - a tradition John Key started in 2011 that's been followed by Prime Ministers since.

But Chris Luxon poured cold water on the idea he might reshuffle his Cabinet at the same time.

He says unlike former leaders, he'll reshuffle his team when he needs to, but doesn't feel the need to do it for the sake of a new year.