Initial results from the referendum

admin — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 04:13:33 +0000

The result of the referendum has major implications for the current constitutional review. On election day we were asked whether we wanted to keep the current Mixed Member Proportional system (MMP) or change to another system. We were also asked to choose between four options as to which of four other voting systems we would want if New Zealand decided to change from MMP: First Past the Post (FPP), Preferential Voting (PV), Single Transferable Vote (STV) or Supplementary Member (SM). Although results are yet to be officially announced, early indications suggest New Zealand has voted to keep MMP. This means there will be an independent review of MMP in 2012 to recommend any changes that should be made to the way it works. The Electoral Commission will conduct the review and the public will have the opportunity to give their views. This will be separate from the constitutional review and consider changes to the way MMP works, such as the 5% threshold and ‘one seat’ rule.

Keeping MMP will enable the constitutional review to take place without the possibility of a change to our voting system looming in the near future and the inherent uncertainty this would bring. Had New Zealand voted to change to another system, the result of a binding referendum as to what system we would change would not be known until 2014. With our voting system assured, the Constitutional Advisory Panel will now be able to embark on a full and considered conversation about the size and term of Parliament, the size and boundaries of electorate seats and issues around Maori representation, as well as other issues unrelated to the voting system.

As of Monday 28 November, 100% of advance votes have been counted. These results showed 53.74% voting to keep MMP, and 42.62% voting to change to a new system. So far, the most popular alternative system is FPP (31.89% of the advance vote), followed by SM (14.53%), STV (11.24%) and PV (8.9%). There were 290,233 advance votes cast. The target to release the full Official Results of the Referendum on the Voting System is 2pm on Saturday 10 December 2011.

We will post more results as they become available.

Referendum forum at Te Papa

admin — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 04:11:59 +0000

On 18 November 2011, Te Papa held a forum to explore the referendum on our voting system. The forum was hosted by Dame Claudia Orange and featured well-known political scientist Nigel Roberts and three panellists – including project manager of EmpowerNZ, Diane White. The forum was recorded by Radio New Zealand and can be accessed here.

Sustainable Future Institute launches EmpowerNZ

admin — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 03:52:46 +0000

On the 16 November 2011 at 5pm, the Sustainable Future Institute is launching the EmpowerNZ project. This project aims to facilitate conversation amongst New Zealanders around the constitutional review and our long-term future. The launch will coincide with a forum at Te Papa museum on the 2011 Referendum; an important part of the wider constitutional conversation around New Zealand’s constitutional arrangements.

Read our press release here.