NZ's democracy
- SUBTOPICS
Taking part
Taking Part explains how decisions are made in New Zealand and how New Zealanders can help shape them by having their say, with lots of brief and practical explanation and tips. More »
Active Voices - for the first-time voter
Active Voices will help you consider why we need to elect people to represent us in Parliament and what the big issues are so you know how to use your vote as a first-time voter. More »
Electorates & members of parliament
Here's a way to find information about electorates, and about your own in particular. More »
History of the Vote
An online resource capturing key events in New Zealand's electoral history, including through pictures, sound and video. More »
Democracy - everyday concepts
Democracy - everyday concepts has been written to put political science theory in simple terms for anyone interested in how representative democracy works. More »
- ARTICLES
Referendums
A referendum is a question about something that is put to all electors. Referendums can be called as the result of a successful Citizens Initiated Referendum (CIR) petition or legislation passed by parliament to set one up. This article includes referendum results and links to information on promoting a CIR. Read more »
Elections NZ roadshow 2008
A roadshow of regional workshops from the Electoral Commission (mainly in May and June)is giving skills, knowledge and motivation to people working with those least likely to enrol and vote - along with downloadable presentations and resources to support workshop participants then making this happen in their own communities. Read more »
Electoral Compendium 2005
The New Zealand Pocket Electoral Compendium 2005 has been published in two parts: General Electoral Information and Statistics Information. It is available free of charge, and bulk orders are welcome. Read more »
New Zealand's system of government - an overview
New Zealand is a democratic country in which the members of parliament (MPs) are chosen in free and fair elections. It has a single chamber of parliament known as the House of Representatives which generally has 120 MPs. The government is accountable to parliament for its actions and policies. New Zealand has an unwritten constitution and is a constitutional monarchy. Read more »
Parliament & government formation
This article gives an overview of the caretaker government convention, government formation, and the requirements for the first sitting of parliament. Read more »
Key dates in New Zealand electoral reform
This article lists key dates in New Zealand electoral reform since 1852. Read more »
