New Zealand - House Of Representatives
This election gives all citizens, regardless of wealth, a fair shot to be heard and participate in every step of the democratic process
Next Elections
The next New Zealand general election will be held after the currently elected 52nd New Zealand Parliament is dissolved or expires. The current Parliament was elected on Saturday, 23 September 2017. The last possible date for the next general election to be held is Saturday, 21 November 2020. - Posted on : 01-October-2019
Electoral system
All New Zealand citizens 18 years or older may vote in general elections, which are conducted by secret ballot. New Zealand was the first self-governing territory to enfranchise women, starting from the 1893 election.
Since the 1996 election, a form of proportional representation called mixed-member proportional (MMP) has been used. Under the MMP system each person has two votes; one is for electoral seats (including some reserved for Maori), and the other is for a party. Since the 2014 election, there have been 71 electorate seats (which includes 7 Maori electorates), and the remaining 49 seats are assigned so that representation in parliament reflects the party vote, although a party has to win one electoral seat or 5 percent of the total party vote before it is eligible for these seats. - Posted on : 28-July-2017
150 years of Hansard
A century-and-a-half ago, a team of independent reporters began writing down everything politicians said in debates at Parliament. They stood for truth and accountability and their work continues to this day. The team and their written record is known as Hansard.
More than just words on a page, Hansard is an account of New Zealand, its politics, society and history. Through it we can track the changes of our nation and see how our priorities and positions have developed or, in some cases, remained the same. Join with us in celebrating Hansard and its role in our democracy. - Posted on : 28-July-2017
Introduction
The New Zealand House of Representatives is a component of the New Zealand Parliament, along with the Sovereign (represented by the Governor-General). The House passes all laws, provides ministers to form a Cabinet, and supervises the work of the Government. It is also responsible for adopting the state's budgets and approving the state's accounts.
The House of Representatives is a democratically elected body whose members are known as Members of Parliament (MPs). There are usually 120 members, though this number can be higher if there is an overhang.MPs are elected for limited terms, holding office until Parliament is dissolved (a maximum of three years). A government is formed from the party or coalition with the majority of MPs. If no majority is possible then a minority government can be formed with a confidence and supply arrangement. - Posted on : 03-July-2017
Frequently Asked Questions
