MMP After 30 Years: Time for Electoral Reform?

In this episode, Oliver Hartwich talks to Nick Clark about his new report reviewing New Zealand’s MMP electoral system after 30 years. They examine quirks that have emerged over recent elections — from delayed results that stall coalition talks to by-elections creating extra seats, overhangs expanding Parliament beyond 120 MPs, and outdated election-day restrictions despite most people voting early. Nick outlines practical reforms including filling by-election vacancies from party lists, removing overhang seats, lowering the party-vote threshold to 3.5–4%, keeping coat-tailing to minimise wasted votes, shifting to a 50/50 split between electorate and list seats, and increasing Parliament to 170 MPs to improve accountability and strengthen select-committee work. They conclude by reflecting on the need for cross-party consensus and public confidence in any future electoral reform. Read our report "MMP After 30 Years: Time for Electoral Reform?" here: https://www.nzinitiative.org.nz/mmp-after-30-years-time-for-electoral-reform/