Referendums in New Zealand

1558: 1654:. The Clerk formally determines the wording of the question, which may be quite different from the original. Once the Clerk receives the completed petition, the number of signatures is initially counted, followed by sample groups of signatures being taken and the signatories' names and addresses checked against the electoral roll. The sampling of signatures is used to estimate the number of valid signatures for the whole petition with confidence, and if the lower confidence interval is more than ten percent of the electoral roll, the petition is presented to the House of Representatives. 43: 4218: 728: 656: 1050: 3142:, which eliminates mechanisms for holding referendums on the establishment of Māori wards and constituencies on local bodies, passed its third reading in Parliament with the support of the Labour, Green and Māori parties. The bill was unsuccessfully opposed by the National and ACT parties, with the former mounting a twelve-hour filibuster challenging all of the Bill's ten clauses. 3134:, taking advantage of the poll provision. These polls were granted and held in early 2018. Each poll failed; Māori wards were rejected by voters in Palmerston North (68.8%), Western Bay of Plenty (78.2%), Whakatāne (56.4%), Manawatu (77%), and Kaikōura (55%) on 19 May 2018. The average voter turnout in those polls was about 40%. 2576:

Should New Zealand adapt direct democracy by binding referendum whereby ideas for laws should be submitted and voted upon as of right by the public and, according to the result, submissions collected from the public and then assessed by opinion poll, resulting un draft law alternatives being prepared

1657:

Within one month of the petition's presentation to the House, a date for the poll must be determined. The poll must be held within 12 months of the petition's presentation, unless 75 percent of MPs vote to delay the poll for one year. There is also a $ 50,000 spending limit on promoting the petition.

2572:

Should government let New Zealanders have democracy by referendum where any individual or group can submit opinions which get numbered so we can list what we agree with and list what we disagree with, then the results are sent to four independent committees who create four separate laws and we vote

1721:

The other referendum held in 1999 asked "Should there be a reform of our Justice system placing greater emphasis on the needs of victims, providing restitution and compensation for them and imposing minimum sentences and hard labour for all serious violent offences?". This measure passed by 91.78%.

1678:

A total of 48 petitions have been launched since 1993 on a wide range of topics. Only five (one in 1995, two in 1999, one in 2009, one in 2013) have come to a vote. The other petitions failed to gain enough signatures to force a referendum. Achieving the target number of signatures is a requirement

1347:

In New Zealand, alcohol licensing has historically been decided by referendum. The first of these were compulsory local licensing referendums, held in 1894 and then with each main parliamentary election between 1896 and 1914. Local licensing referendums were eliminated after 1914, apart from 'local

1783:

failed to submit enough signatures for a petition that might have led to a non-binding referendum on whether or not binding citizens referenda should be introduced after being granted permission to circulate a petition calling for that innovation, so the status quo remains. Although the Kiwi Party

3137:

On 1 February 2021, Labour Minister of Local Government Mahuta announced that the Government would establish a new law upholding local council decisions to establish Māori wards. This new law would also abolish an existing law allowing local referendums to veto decisions by councils to establish

1835:

also opposes binding referendums on fiscal grounds, noting that California's contradictory tax cap and public spending referendums have made state fiscal management chaotic. However, a key problem with that argument is that ballot initiatives only make up 2% of the Californian state budget, once

1118:

The government of New Zealand may, at any time, call for a referendum on any issue. This requires enabling legislation to determine whether the outcome will be binding on the government or merely indicative. This allows parliamentary scrutiny of the issue and wording of the question. There is no

1717:

to reduce the size of Parliament to 100. The bill passed its first reading, 61 votes to 60 and was referred to Select Committee. The Select Committee returned recommending the bill to not be passed, citing reasons including public misconception on the MMP voting system, population growth, and

1736:

Following the submission of a petition on 22 August 2008, the Clerk of the House verified to Parliament that the threshold for a CIR had been reached. Supporters were hoping for the referendum to be held alongside the 8 November general election, but it was decided by Parliament to hold the

3153:. While National, ACT and NZ First supported the bill, it was opposed by the Labour, Green, and Māori parties. Councils that have already established a Māori ward without a referendum are now required to hold a binding poll alongside the 2025 local elections or to disestablish them. 1643:, so at least 329,801 signatures would be required at a rate of approximately 904 signatures per day. In reality, more signatures would be required to account for variances in electoral roll numbers, duplicate signatures and signatures that cannot be matched to a registered elector. 2671:

Should the current review of the voting system be taken out of the hands of self-interested politicians by holding another binding referendum to decide the future voting system, recognising the already clearly established public demand to reduce the number of MPs to 99?

1704:

two referendums were put before voters. One was on whether the number of Members of Parliament should be reduced from 120 to 99. Electors overwhelmingly voted in favour of the proposal, with 81.47% voting for this proposal. However, there were no moves to amend the

3057:

Should New Zealand stop using all cruel and inhumane poisons, such as 1080, brodifacoum, and PAPP, to kill wildlife, because these toxic substances inflict intense and prolonged, unjustifiable suffering on all animals, including native birds, pets, and livestock?

3053:

Do you agree that ALL cruel and inhumane poisons be prohibited – including 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate), brodifacoum, pindone, PAPP and cholecalciferol – because they inflict such intense and prolonged suffering that their use can never be justified?

1443:

The government may call referendums on any issues on which it wishes. These will usually be on issues on which the government is split. For the 1997 referendum on retirement savings, the decision to hold it was part of the coalition agreement between

1855:

The following table lists those petition questions lodged with Clerk of the House from 1994 to 2019. Questions lodged since then are not included. Note that some questions may have been worded so that "no" was the desired response by the proposer.

3650: 3139: 2351:

Should the forestry licenses to 188,000 hectares of Crown forest land which are currently held by the Forestry Corporation of New Zealand Limited remain in state ownership (subject to the determination of any Treaty of Waitangi claims)?

2936:

Should the adult minimum wage be raised in steps over the next three years, starting with an immediate rise to $ 15 per hour, until it reaches 66% of the average total hourly earnings as defined in the Quarterly Employment Survey?

2454:

Should there be a reform of our justice system placing greater emphasis on the needs of the victims, providing restitution and compensation for them and imposing minimum sentences and hard labour for all serious violent offences?

1691:

be reduced below the number employed on 1 January 1995?" aimed to elicit a "no" response. Turnout was low as the referendum was not held in conjunction with a general election. Just over 12% voted "Yes" and almost 88% voted "No".

2932:

Should the minimum wage be raised to $ 15 an hour and then in steps over the next three years until it reaches two-thirds of the average ordinary time hourly rate as recommended by the 1973 Royal Commission into Social Security?

1799:

has run articles strongly critical of the CIR lobby, as well as expressing concerns that CIRs could be abused to strip vulnerable minorities of their legislative protections, as has occurred frequently with referendums against

2382:

Should all tree felling and clearing on any indigenous land (except in plantation forests and already protected conservation areas be prohibited, unless such tree felling or cleaning is in accordance with Maori customary use?

1669:

are among countries whose laws allow for citizen-initiated referendums (CIRs) nationally. Its defenders view it as a form of "direct democracy". However, the Citizens Initiated Referendum 1993 went against the advice of the

1348:

restoration polls' to legalise liquor sales in 'dry' districts. In 1910 a referendum on national prohibition of alcohol was introduced, and held in conjunction with every general election from 1911 to 1987 inclusive (except

3913: 1452:. For the 2020 referendum on Voluntary Euthanasia, it was originally meant to be passed as a bill of parliament but New Zealand First threatened to vote it down if it wasn't considered to be voted by the people during the 1360:

of liquor (i.e. nationalisation) was added to the ballot. The Sale of Liquor Act 1989 abolished the national liquor referendum. Local restoration polls were still held in areas that were still 'dry', but the last three,

1135:

protects some of the provisions of the Act from amendment except in accordance with s 268(2) which requires a majority vote in a referendum of a 75% majority of Members of Parliament. The protected provisions include,

1674:

1986. The Commission stated, speaking about referenda more broadly, "In general, initiatives and referendums are blunt and crude devices.... would blur the lines of accountability and responsibility of Governments".

2450:

That should there be an urgent reform of our Justice system to introduce restorative justice which seeks to place greater emphasis on the needs of victims and includes hard labour for all serious violent offences?

2324:

Should people aged 18 years and over who are terminally or incurably ill be permitted to have their lives ended if they request this, in a humane manner and in accordance with procedures to be established?

2403:

Should the Treaty of Waitangi, being an outdated document, be set aside and replaced with a national constitution which guarantees the equal rights of all New Zealanders without favour or discrimination?

1836:

Proposition 98 is removed from the equation (Proposition 98 locks in education spending which probably would have been spent anyway and had always occupied about one-third of the Californian budget).

1755:

The perceived lack of implementation of successful referendums has led to calls for such referendums to be made binding on the government of the day, similar to the direct democracy said to exist in

3880: 1743:

Voter turnout was 56.1 percent. While 87.4 percent of votes answered 'no', the question drew widespread criticism from the public, parliament, and even the Prime Minister John Key for being a

2276:

Should New Zealand's defence expenditure be reduced to half its 1994/95 level by the year 2000 with the savings spent on health, education, conservation and the promotion of full employment?

3848: 2407:

Should there be a Written Constitution, taking precedence of the Treaty of Waitangi and all other sources of law, which guarantees the right of all people without favour or discrimination?

2273:

Should New Zealand's military budget be reduced to half its 1994/1995 level by the year 2000 with the savings spent on health, education, conservation and the promotion of full employment?

2141:

Referendum failed. Petition successful—presented to House on 30 May 1995; select committee report on 22 June 1995; referendum held on 2 December 1995. (27.0% turnout - 12.2% yes; 87.8% no)

2066:

should be replaced with laws that deliver pay equity and are consistent with the International Labour Organisation's conventions and the United Nations' International Bill of Human Rights.

1924:

Should a Judge sentencing a person convicted of murder to life imprisonment be empowered to order that the person be imprisoned for his or her natural life and not be eligible for parole?

1635:. These are non-binding referendums on any issue in which proponents have submitted a petition to Parliament signed by ten percent of all registered electors within 12 months. There were 2529:

Should there be no further compulsory school closures until comprehensive criteria have been established by law for the Minister of Education to follow when deciding to close a school?

4610: 2086:

Any increase in New Zealand's electricity demand should be met from energy conservation and from sources that are environmentally sustainable, and do not produce carbon dioxide (CO2).

1107: 3946: 3252: 4179: 2301:

Do you agree that the laws of New Zealand should not discriminate against or give preference to citizens or permanent residents of New Zealand on the basis of their ethnic origins?

4174: 3903: 3307:"Final Result by Electorate for the Citizens Initiated Referendum 2009 on the question "Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?"" 3686: 3513: 477: 204: 3751: 2500:

Should the method of election be termination of the political party system with the election for the constituency candidate as representative by single transferable vote?

1722:

There was some debate over the phrasing of the referendum, as the question actually contains five separate questions; voters could agree with some, but not with others.

693: 2181:

Should all New Zealanders have access to public education services, from early childhood to tertiary level, which are fully government funded and without user charges?

2178:

Should all New Zealanders have access to public education services, from early childhood to tertiary level, which are fully government funded and without user charges?

4184: 2375:

Should there be a law passed banning any further destruction of the native forests of Aotearoa to preserve the last remnants of our national heritage (pursuant to the

983: 899: 2698:

Should New Zealand adopt a written constitution which protects fundamental human and civil rights and which transfers legal sovereignty from the Crown to the people?

3719: 2042:

New Zealand's military budget should be reduced to half its 1994 level by the year 2000 and the savings allocated to health, education, employment and conservation.

4206: 4010: 3978: 3557: 1731: 1998:

All new Zealanders should have access to non-profit education service that is fully government funded and without user charges, from pre-school to tertiary level.

4711: 4640: 4630: 2960:

Should Parliament be required to pass legislation that implements the majority result of a citizens initiated referendum where that result supports a law change?

2895: 2862:

Should the Government give urgent priority to understanding and addressing the wider causes of family breakdown, family violence and child abuse in New Zealand?

2348:

Should the Forestry Corporation's plantation forests, mills, and rights in perpetuity to 188,000 hectares of Crown land, remain in New Zealand public ownership?

4620: 3588: 3784: 2549:

Do you support the request that the Government of New Zealand reduce the number of unemployed people to below 1% of the working population by the year 2004?

1687:

The first citizens initiated referendum was held on 2 December 1995. The question "Should the number of professional fire-fighters employed full-time in the

4635: 4625: 3646: 2480:

Should the Government increase its annual spending on health services to at least 7% of GDP, funding the increase, if necessary, from personal income tax?

2132:

Should the number of professional fire fighters employed full-time in the New Zealand Fire Service be reduced below the number employed on 1 January 1995?

1515: 1179: 4665: 4275: 4252: 3611: 2439:

Referendum passed. Petition successful—presented to House on 17 February 1999; referendum held on 27 November 1999. (84.8% turnout - 81.5% yes; 18.5% no)

1575: 1549: 1163: 2250:

Should increases in New Zealand's electricity demand be met from energy conservation and from the use of resources that are environmentally sustainable?

1078: 518: 500: 496: 168: 3870: 2253:

Should increases in New Zealand's electricity demand be met from energy conservation and from the use of sources that are environmentally sustainable?

1174:

There is no requirement for a referendum to enact constitutional change in New Zealand. Referendums were held in 1992 and 1993 to decide the nature of

4660: 4650: 4645: 2631:(which creates a presumption that parents who are separated or divorced will have equal rights to custody of their children) be passed by Parliament? 1331: 942: 482: 2464:

Referendum passed. Petition successful—presented to House on 13 July 1999; referendum held on 27 November 1999. (84.8% turnout - 91.8% yes; 8.2% no)

2427:

Should the size of Parliament be reduced from 120 members of Parliament to 99 members of Parliament by reducing the number elected from party lists?

1921:

Should a judge be given the power to decide whether life imprisonment for murder should mean a prisoner will be imprisoned for his/her natural life?

4706: 3382: 3146: 1671: 1218: 235: 128: 91: 3838: 1557: 1189:

There are frequent calls for the use of referendums to decide other constitutional matters, rather than by regular Acts of Parliament. In 2003 the

4716: 4696: 3016: 2983:

Should the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 be replaced by legislation that restores Crown ownership of the foreshore and seabed?

2748: 2526:

Should the Government stop any forced school closures until there have been full and transparent guidelines and procedures adapted by Parliament?

1916: 1636: 1194: 139: 1819:

has announced its opposition to binding citizens referendums, citing the adverse fiscal management consequences that have ensued in the state of

4052:, edited by Jonathan Boston, Stephen Church, Stephen Levine, Elizabeth McLeay and Nigel S. Roberts. Wellington: Victoria University Press, 2000. 3284: 2651:

Do you believe that New Zealand should hold a binding referendum on whether we should replace MMP by a return to first-past-the-post elections?

2477:

That the Government should increase its annual spending on health services to at least 7% of GDP, funded if necessary from personal income tax.

4678: 3092: 2701:

Should New Zealand adopt a written constitution expressly vesting sovereignty in the people and protecting fundamental human and civil rights?

1955:

Should the size of Parliament be reduced from 120 Members of Parliament to 100 by reducing the number of "list" MPs from 55 seats to 35 seats?

1801: 1610: 1190: 452: 150: 4540: 1221:

was done by Act of Parliament; with additional members of the Legislative Council (MLC) appointed to ensure approval by the upper house, the

1103: 686: 565: 3936: 1147:

This has led to the sporadic use of referendums, partly because there is no constitutional requirement, as there is in other countries like

4673: 4655: 4615: 3259: 1651: 1593: 560: 199: 3815: 3435: 3006:

Do you support the Government selling up to 49% of Meridian Energy, Mighty River Power, Genesis Power, Solid Energy and Air New Zealand?

3003:

Do you support the Government selling up to 49% of Meridian Energy, Mighty River Power, Genesis Power, Solid Energy and Air New Zealand?

4764: 4743: 4701: 4199: 3096: 1461: 3356: 2577:

by independent groups, from which one opinion would be chosen by majority vote by the public; the resulting legislation to be binding?

1978:

All New Zealanders should have access to a non-profit public health service which is fully government funded and without user charges.

4733: 4234: 1847:, such as joining political parties, protest marches, voting within general elections and parliamentary select committee submissions. 1809: 580: 531: 257: 3672: 2155:

Should all New Zealanders have access to comprehensive health services, which are fully government funded, and without user charges?

4520: 4515: 4510: 4505: 4500: 4495: 4490: 4485: 4480: 4475: 4470: 4465: 4460: 4455: 4450: 4445: 4440: 4435: 4430: 4425: 4420: 4415: 4410: 4405: 4400: 4395: 4390: 4385: 4380: 4375: 4370: 4365: 4360: 4355: 4350: 4345: 4340: 4335: 4330: 4325: 4320: 4315: 4310: 4305: 4300: 4295: 4290: 4285: 4280: 4270: 4257: 4247: 4242: 3238: 3075: 1839:

During 2009, there was additional criticism from prominent New Zealand legal academics, such as Andrew Geddis and Bridget Fenton at

1785: 1701: 1640: 1453: 1353: 1349: 889: 799: 555: 284: 279: 274: 269: 215: 4048:

Church, Stephen. "Crime and Punishment: The Referenda to Reform the Criminal Justice System and Reduce the Size of Parliament." In

3150: 3131: 1958:

Should the size of Parliament be reduced from 120 Members of Parliament to 100 by reducing the number elected from the party list?

3741: 2109:

Should there be a legally enforceable requirement that political parties observe their constitution and their manifesto promises?

1110:, which were held triennially between 1894 and 1989); fourteen were government-led, and five were indicative citizen initiatives. 4738: 4585: 4580: 4575: 4570: 4565: 4560: 4555: 4550: 4545: 1666: 1026: 874: 804: 679: 619: 614: 470: 396: 326: 311: 306: 301: 296: 163: 2207:

Should full employment with wages and conditions that are fair and equitable be the primary goal of government economic policy?

2204:

Should full employment with wages and conditions that are fair and equitable be the central goal of government economic policy?

3167: 3104: 3033:

Should the North Shore establish as an independent city state to demonstrate a new economic model at the heart of New Zealand?

3030:

Should the North Shore establish as an independent city state to demonstrate a new economic model at the heart of New Zealand?

1315: 1299: 1214: 1175: 457: 440: 391: 250: 245: 124: 87: 2552:

Should the government be required to reduce the number of unemployed people to below 1% of the labour force by the year 2004?

2152:

Should all New Zealanders have access to public health services, which are fully government funded, and without user charges?

4532: 4192: 2503:

Should members of Parliament be elected by single transferable vote (STV) with constituency-based, multi-member electorates?

1071: 859: 844: 362: 3491: 3306: 3709: 2472: 642: 380: 146: 4000: 3968: 3549: 3253:"Electoral (Reduction in Number of Members of Parliament) Amendment Bill: Report of the Justice and Electoral Committee" 3099:) may hold referendum on issues which they feel their citizens need to be consulted upon. Referendums have been held on 1714: 1198: 1183: 666: 590: 351: 346: 3138:

Māori wards. This law would come into effect before the scheduled 2022 local body elections. On 25 February, Mahuta's

1229: 508: 187: 55: 3774: 3580: 3329: 2724:

Should the law be amended to make the results of citizens initiated referenda binding on the New Zealand Government?

3119: 1445: 1366: 1206: 523: 3807: 1740:

The question asked was "Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?"

1768: 1561: 1144:, the voting age and the voting method. The provision itself is not protected from ordinary amendment or repeal. 1064: 375: 2293: 2230:

Should all New Zealanders on income support and benefits get an income based on what it actually costs to live?

2227:

Should all New Zealanders on income support and benefits get an income based on what it actually costs to live?

1356:). An extra referendum on prohibition was held on 10 April 1919. From 17 December 1919 the additional option of 4222: 4169: 4041:

Catt, Helena. "The Other Democratic Experiment: New Zealand’s Experience with Citizens' Initiated Referendum."

3172: 3108: 2692: 2022:

at liveable wages and, for those not in the paid workforce, an income based on what it actually costs to live.

1844: 1764: 1688: 1457: 839: 789: 595: 550: 339: 228: 4262: 3481:

Andrew Geddis and Bridget Fenton: "Citizens Initiated Referenda" New Zealand Law Journal (October 2009): 334-6

2063: 3200: 1893:

Should the inhumane practice of battery egg production be phased out within five years from this referendum?

3149:

passed legislation reinstating the requirement for local referenda on the establishment or "ongoing use" of

1812:

has also been cited as one current example of anti-minoritarian abuse of the 'citizens' referendum process.

1628: 1128: 1021: 937: 917: 869: 585: 575: 240: 72: 33: 4101:, Wellington: Occasional Publication No.5, Department of Politics, Victoria University of Wellington, 1992. 2980:

Should the Marine and Coastal Area Act be repealed to restore Crown ownership of the foreshore and seabed?

2833:

Should the proprietor of a licensed establishment be able to determine whether it is a smoke-free premise?

3908: 3843: 3681: 3334: 3088: 1843:. They argue that CIRs are no substitute for more deliberative processes within the existing framework of 1828: 1283: 1266: 1141: 1120: 1095: 894: 814: 782: 570: 447: 181: 134: 117: 4104: 2675:

Should a binding referendum be held to decide the future voting system, based on a Parliament of 99 MPs?

3162: 2882:

Should a smack within the context of positive parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?

960: 884: 879: 864: 854: 829: 809: 794: 3642: 3019:

by postal ballot between 22 November 2013 and 13 December 2013. (45.07% turnout - 67.3% no; 32.4% yes)

2836:

Should the proprietor of licensed premises be able to determine whether those premises are smoke-free?

1006: 17: 1427: 1411: 922: 834: 819: 769: 749: 513: 104: 4083:

Parkinson, John. "Who Knows Best? The Creation of the Citizen-Initiated Referendum in New Zealand."

3423: 3811: 3677: 3584: 2810: 1896:

Should the production of eggs from battery hens be prohibited within five years of the referendum?

824: 744: 412: 368: 2298:

Should the laws of New Zealand apply equally to all New Zealanders irrespective of ethnic origin?

1718:

international comparability. The bill was subsequently voted down 112 to 9 at its second reading.

3100: 2912:

Should the results of all citizens initiated referenda be binding on the New Zealand Government?

2801: 2376: 1805: 1706: 1647: 1632: 1132: 1124: 1099: 978: 764: 754: 660: 427: 194: 3553: 3115: 3234: 2856:

Should the Government give urgent priority to understanding and addressing the wider causes of

3941: 3875: 3746: 3714: 3616: 3507: 3464: 2106:

Do you want a Constitutional Enactment to enable the enforcement of political accountability?

1710: 1449: 1370: 1202: 1016: 927: 759: 712: 637: 417: 156: 42: 4105:

The Political Economy of Six O’Clock Closing (in New Zealand) Tim Mulcare. (Rich Text Format)

3468: 3458: 2898:

by postal ballot between 31 July and 21 August 2009. (56.09% turnout - 87.4% no; 11.98% yes)

3392: 3360: 2621: 1949: 1840: 1456:. The 2020 Cannabis referendum was based on the Confidence and Supply agreement between the 1011: 719: 355: 2744:

Should our longstanding right of final appeal to the Privy Council in London be abolished?

2430:

Should the size of the House of Representatives be reduced from 120 members to 99 members?

4090:

Prince, John D. "Look Back in Amber: The General Licensing Poll in New Zealand, 1919-87."

3779: 3621: 3123: 2772: 2721:

Should legislation be enacted to make Citizens Initiated Referenda binding on Government?

2019: 1816: 1760: 1744: 1532: 1210: 1054: 1001: 3904:"Bill to abolish local veto on Māori wards passes despite National's marathon opposition" 3130:) organised several petitions calling for local referendums on the matter of introducing 2885:

Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?

2129:

Should the number of firefighters employed in the New Zealand Fire Service be reduced?

1945: 932: 486: 208: 4154: 3224:

Royal Commission on the Electoral System "Towards a Better Democracy" IX AJHR H3 at .

1049: 727: 4758: 3422:

Richard Ekins: "A Government for the People: The Value of Representative Democracy":

2768: 2628: 1824: 1780: 3527: 2342: 1941: 1156: 1031: 2909:

Should all citizens initiated referenda be binding on the New Zealand Government?

2957:

Should Citizens Initiated Referenda seeking to repeal or amend a law be binding?

2600:

Should Parliament enact legislation to ban the sale and distribution of tobacco?

4217: 1789: 1756: 1152: 737: 79: 1820: 1776: 1772: 1362: 1178:. Many groups advocate approval of constitutional reforms by referendums; the 1091: 97: 4055:

James, Colin. "Riding into Battle over Socially and Morally Divisive Bills."

4164: 3127: 1796: 1148: 1036: 65: 3140:

Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Act 2021

3078:, which is likely to have played a role in the high proportion of voters. 2597:

Should the Government ban the sale and distribution of tobacco products?

2321:

Should voluntary euthanasia be legalised for persons 18 years and older?

1832: 1098:. Referendums may be government-initiated or held in accordance with the 4159: 3871:"Changes to 'fundamentally unfair' process to make way for Māori wards" 1499: 1213:

for a referendum to be held on the issue. In 1950 the abolition of the

3581:"Fight for Māori wards like Nazi Germany – Hobson's Pledge supporter" 3436:"New Zealand's latest news, sport, entertainment, politics, business" 3387: 1650:

500 to file a petition asking for a referendum with the Clerk of the

1646:

There are procedural requirements governing this process. It costs

4144: 3612:"Māori wards for Manawatū councils put to the vote in referendums" 2858:

family breakdown, family violence and child abuse in New Zealand?

1889:

Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

1888: 1815:

Even amongst conservatives, the issue has become contentious. The

1709:

in line with this result until 2006 when a bill was introduced by

1662: 1123:

or by the public, except for where the reserved provisions of the

3424:

http://www.maxim.org.nz/files/pdf/a_government_for_the_people.pdf

4149: 4069:

New Zealand Press Association. "Referendum Call on Māori Seats"

1737:

referendum by postal ballot between 31 July and 21 August 2009.

4188: 4118:

Democracy Derailed: Initiative Campaigns and the Power of Money

3937:"Māori wards amendment bill passes final reading in Parliament" 2660:

Question withdrawn by promoter (between 2 and 8 November 2000)

1784:

applied for deregistration, the cause has been taken up by the

1373:, all became 'wet' in 1999. There have been two referendums on 4005: 3973: 2318:

Companion and the Voluntary Euthanasia Society (Auckland) Inc

1374: 4036:

Adventures in Democracy: A History of the Vote in New Zealand

3413:

Joanne Black: "Heidi Ho": New Zealand Listener: 12.12.09: 94

2018:

The central goals of government economic policy should be

1679:

for forcing a vote on an initiative proposed by citizens.

4132:

Paradise Lost: California's Experience, America's Future?

3839:"Govt set to abolish local veto on councils' Māori wards" 4078:

Bridled Power: New Zealand's Constitution and Government

1808:

in that country. In some New Zealand media outlets, the

1106:. Nineteen referendums have been held so far (excluding 4125:

Democratic Delusions: The Initiative Process in America

3742:"Mayor 'gutted' after public votes against Māori wards" 3460:

Have Voter Initiatives Paralyzed the California Budget?

3074:

The 1999 referendums were held in conjunction with the

2778:

That the Prostitution Law Reform Act 2003 be repealed?

1119:

constraint on whether an issue is to be decided by the

4099:

Referendums: Constitutional and Political Perspectives

4080:. fourth ed. Melbourne: Oxford University Press, 2004. 2781:

Should the Prostitution Reform Act 2003 be repealed?

2075:

Question withdrawn by proposer, on 16 September 1994

1581:

56.6% for retaining the existing flag of New Zealand

1166:

held across 2015 and 2016, conducted by postal vote.

3235:"Return of Citizens Initiated Referendum Poll Votes" 2095: