12.4 The electoral system and political parties in New Zealand

New Zealand's electoral system has evolved significantly since its inception. The shift from First Past the Post 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 referendum 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 (Green Party, ACT, New Zealand First)

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

• Labour Party, founded in 1916
  • Represents center-left social democratic policies
  • Focus on workers' rights, social welfare, and progressive reforms
  • Key policies: Universal healthcare, free tertiary education, climate change action
• Green Party, formed in 1990
  • Focuses on environmentalism, social justice, and sustainable development policies
  • Key policies: Carbon neutrality, biodiversity protection, wealth redistribution

Center-Right and Conservative Parties

• National Party, established in 1936
  • Advocates for center-right conservative policies
  • Emphasizes free-market economics and individual responsibility
  • Key policies: Lower taxes, business-friendly regulations, tough on crime stance
• ACT New Zealand, established in 1994
  • Supports classical liberal and libertarian policies
  • Emphasizes free-market economics and individual freedom
  • Key policies: Flat tax rate, reduced government spending, charter schools

Nationalist and Indigenous Parties

• New Zealand First, founded in 1993
  • Promotes nationalist and populist policies
  • Often advocates for seniors and regional development
  • Key policies: Reduced immigration, support for veterans, protection of New Zealand assets
• Māori Party, formed in 2004
  • Focuses on advancing Māori rights, culture, and interests within political system
  • Key policies: Protection of Māori land rights, promotion of Te Reo Māori language, indigenous economic development

Minor Parties and Coalition Dynamics

Role of Minor Parties

• Minor parties play crucial role in New Zealand politics
  • Often hold balance of power in coalition formations
• Focus on specific policy areas or represent particular constituencies
  • Influence government policy in these areas
  • Example: Green Party's influence on environmental policies
• Success or failure of minor parties significantly impacts stability and direction of governments under MMP system
  • Example: New Zealand First's decision to form coalition with Labour in 2017 changed government

Coalition and Confidence and Supply Agreements

• Confidence and supply agreements allow minor parties to support government without formal coalition
  • Offers flexibility in political arrangements
  • Example: Green Party's agreement with Labour government in 2020
• Coalition agreements typically involve more comprehensive policy negotiations
  • Include ministerial positions for minor party members
  • Example: New Zealand First's coalition with National in 1996, securing deputy PM role
• Dynamics of these agreements can lead to policy compromises and tensions
  • Between coalition partners or supporting parties
  • Example: Tensions between Labour and New Zealand First over immigration policy (2017-2020)

Strategic Voting and Electoral Alliances

• Electoral alliances and strategic voting can emerge
  • Voters consider potential coalition outcomes of their party vote
  • Example: Labour voters in Epsom electorate voting for National candidate to prevent ACT from winning seat
• Minor parties' electoral strategies often focus on winning key electorates
  • Ensures parliamentary representation even if party vote falls below 5% threshold
  • Example: ACT Party's focus on Epsom electorate