12.4 The electoral system and political parties in New Zealand
4 min read•august 15, 2024
New Zealand's electoral system has evolved significantly since its inception. The shift from to Mixed Member Proportional in 1996 aimed to create a more representative parliament and increase political diversity.
MMP gives voters two votes - one for their local representative and one for a party. This system has led to more diverse representation in Parliament, including increased numbers of Māori, women, and minority groups.
New Zealand's Electoral System Evolution
From Westminster to Mixed Member Proportional
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New Zealand's electoral system originated from the British Westminster system utilizing First Past the Post (FPP) voting from 1853 to 1996
Royal Commission on the Electoral System in 1985-1986 recommended a change to Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) representation
Two referendums held in 1992 and 1993 saw majority of voters supporting the change to MMP
Electoral Act 1993 officially established MMP as New Zealand's new electoral system
Came into effect for the 1996 general election
Transition to MMP aimed to create a more representative parliament and increase diversity of political voices
MMP System Structure and Reviews
Under MMP, voters have two votes
One for local electorate representative
One for a party
Subsequent reviews and referendums conducted to assess and potentially refine MMP system
2011 reaffirmed public support for MMP
5% threshold implemented for parties to enter Parliament without winning an electorate seat
Influences party strategies and voter behavior
Overhang seats can occur when a party wins more electorate seats than its party vote entitles it to
Potentially affects total number of MPs in Parliament (can increase beyond the standard 120 seats)
Electoral System Impact on Parliament
Increased Diversity and Representation
MMP system led to more diverse representation in Parliament
Increased representation for Māori (from 5% under FPP to about 20% under MMP)
Greater representation for women (from 21% in 1993 to 48% in 2020)
Enhanced representation for minority groups (Pacific Islanders, Asians)
More proportional allocation of seats better reflecting overall party vote percentages
Example: In 2020 election, Labour received 50% of party votes and 53% of seats
Growth and representation of smaller parties in Parliament
Led to multi-party political landscape (, ACT, )
Government Formation and Coalitions
Coalition governments have become the norm under MMP
Rare for single party to win outright majority of seats (Labour in 2020 was an exception)
Formation of governments often involves complex negotiations between parties
Secure majority through coalitions or confidence and supply agreements
Examples of coalition governments
1996-1998: National-New Zealand First coalition
2017-2020: Labour-New Zealand First coalition with Green Party support
Major Political Parties in New Zealand
Center-Left Parties
, founded in 1916
Represents center-left social democratic policies
Focus on workers' rights, social welfare, and progressive reforms