138-522: The Independent Political Labour League (IPLL) was a small New Zealand political party. It was the second organised political party to win a seat in the House of Representatives , and was a forerunner of the modern Labour Party . The IPLL was the product of a gradual move towards an independent working-class political vehicle. Previously, most workers supported the powerful Liberal Party , which had dominated Parliament since its creation. Eventually, however,
276-546: A Dominion , and even earlier as "Members of the General Assembly" (MGAs). All MPs are democratically elected, and usually enter the House following a general election . Once sworn in , MPs normally continue to serve until the next dissolution of parliament and subsequent general election, which must take place at least every three years. Early general elections (sometimes termed " snap elections ") are possible at
414-407: A coalition government , while others may stay outside the government but agree to support it on confidence votes . The prime minister (leader of the government) is answerable to, and must maintain the support of, the House of Representatives; thus, whenever the office of prime minister falls vacant, the governor-general appoints the person who is most likely to command the support of the House. If
552-460: A list member 's seat becomes vacant then the next available person on their party's list is appointed to the position . List MPs are free to stand in electorate by-elections and in the case of successful contest their own seat will be filled 'in turn'. To be an MP a person must be a New Zealand citizen (by birth or naturalisation) at the time of the election and not be disqualified from enrolling to vote; unlike certain other countries, bankruptcy
690-427: A mixed-member proportional representation system, which combines first-past-the-post elected seats with closed party lists . 72 MPs are elected directly in single-member electoral districts and further seats are filled by list MPs based on each party 's share of the party vote. A government may be formed from the single party or coalition of parties that has the support of a majority of MPs. If no majority
828-530: A bill changes during this process varies. If the select committee that considered the bill did not have a government majority and made significant alterations, the Government may make significant "corrective" amendments. There is some criticism that bills may be amended to incorporate significant policy changes without the benefit of select committee scrutiny or public submissions, or even that such major changes can be made with little or no notice. However, under
966-405: A decline in party support. However, Labour won the popular vote in 1978 and 1981 , with the first-past-the-post voting system preventing them from governing. Up to the 1980s, the party advocated a strong role for governments in economic and social matters. When it governed from 1984 to 1990 , Labour's emergent neoliberal faction had a strong influence; the party broke precedent and transformed
1104-541: A key feature of Labour's 2017 election campaign. Notable policies, programmes and legislations during the 2020–2023 term included the Clean Car rebate programme , making the Māori New Year Matariki a public holiday, banning conversion therapy , replacing the district health boards with a national health service called Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand), passing smokefree legislation banning
1242-425: A man, or 'Madam Speaker', if a woman. Only the speaker may be directly addressed in debate; other members must be referred to in the third person, either by full name or office. The speaker can " name " a member believed to have broken the rules of conduct of the House; following a vote this will usually result in the expulsion of said member from the chamber. During debates, members may only speak if called upon by
1380-409: A matter of law. The title is changed from a bill to an act, and it becomes law. In addition to the work of the main chamber, the House of Representatives also has a large number of committees, established in order to deal with particular areas or issues. There are 12 subject select committees, which scrutinise and amend bills. They can call for submissions from the public, thereby meaning that there
1518-728: A minimum wage and expanding government pensions to include widows and orphans. Initially, the IPLL did not perform well. In the 1905 elections , the party stood 11 candidates: two in Auckland, four in Wellington, three in Christchurch, and one each in the Egmont and Invercargill electorates. None were elected, and all but one failed to win enough votes to reclaim their deposits. The party also failed in its attempts to recruit from among
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#17327911302561656-546: A number of earlier socialist groups advocating proportional representation , the abolition of the country quota , the recall of members of Parliament , as well as the nationalisation of production and exchange . Despite the Labour Party's Wellington origins, the West Coast town of Blackball is regarded as the "spiritual home" of the party, because it was the site of a miners' strike in 1908 that led to
1794-400: A number of new policies. His foreign-policy stances included strong criticism of nuclear-weapons testing and of South Africa 's apartheid system. However, Kirk suffered from poor health, worsened by his refusal to slow the pace of his work. In 1974 Kirk was taken ill and died . Bill Rowling replaced him, but did not have the same electoral appeal – in the 1975 election , Labour lost to
1932-441: A period of time is set aside for questions to be asked of ministers and select committee chairs. Questions to a minister must related to their official ministerial activities, not about activities as a party leader. There are 12 questions, which are distributed proportionately among the parties. In addition to questions asked orally during question time, members may also make inquiries in writing. Written questions are submitted to
2070-457: A select committee, which consists only of a few members). When the House is "in committee", it is able to operate in a slightly less formal way than usual. During a committee of the whole House, a bill is debated in detail, usually "part by part" (a "part" is a grouping of clauses). MPs may make five-minute speeches on a particular part or provision of the bill and may propose further amendments, but theoretically should not make general speeches on
2208-663: A single party was difficult, with tensions between different factions running strong. In 1910 the Independent Political Labour League was relaunched as an organisation called the Labour Party (distinct from the modern party). Soon, however, the leaders of the new organisation decided that additional effort was needed to promote left-wing cooperation, and organised a "Unity Conference" . The Socialists refused to attend, but several independent labour activists agreed. The United Labour Party (ULP)
2346-458: A vote of no confidence in his leadership. Geoffrey Palmer became the new Labour prime minister. However, Palmer failed to rebuild the shattered remnants of Lange's government and in September 1990, Mike Moore replaced him. Despite Moore's ascension somewhat salvaging poll-ratings, Labour suffered its worst defeat since it first took office in 1935 (losing twenty-eight seats) – voters flung
2484-461: Is a centrist political party in New Zealand . The party's platform programme describes its founding principle as democratic socialism , while observers describe Labour as social democratic in theory and pragmatic in practice. The party participates in the international Progressive Alliance . It is one of two major political parties in New Zealand, alongside its traditional rival,
2622-413: Is a degree of public consultation before a parliamentary bill proceeds into law. The strengthening of the committee system was in response to concerns that legislation was being forced through, without receiving due examination and revision. Each committee has between six and twelve members—including a chairperson and deputy chairperson —with parties broadly represented in proportion to party membership in
2760-401: Is conducted by drawing numbered counters out of a biscuit tin , giving the whole member's bill process the nickname "democracy by biscuit tin". Local government and private individuals may also propose legislation to be introduced by an MP. Proxy voting is allowed, in which members may designate a party or another member to vote on their behalf. An excuse is required. The first stage of
2898-528: Is held. This major national event is open to 16- to 18-year-olds who are appointed by individual MPs to represent them in their role for a few days in Wellington. The Youth MPs spend time debating a mock bill in the House and in select committees, and asking questions of Cabinet ministers. The previous New Zealand Youth Parliament was held in July 2022. New Zealand Labour Party The New Zealand Labour Party , also known simply as Labour ( Māori : Reipa ),
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#17327911302563036-536: Is left-of-centre). When the 1996 election , the first conducted under the MMP electoral system, gave the balance of power to the centrist New Zealand First party, many believed that Labour would return to power, but in the end New Zealand First formed a coalition arrangement with the National Party. Despite initially appearing coherent, the coalition became increasingly unstable and eventually collapsed, leaving
3174-426: Is not grounds for disqualification from office. Party list candidates are always nominated by political parties. The annual salary of each MP, since July 2021, is $ 163,961; members may receive additional salaries in right of other offices they hold (for instance, the speaker, whips, and chairpersons of select committees) as recognised by Remuneration Authority determinations. The 54th New Zealand Parliament
3312-551: Is possible, a minority government can be formed with a confidence and supply arrangement. If a government is unable to maintain the confidence of the House then an early general election can be called. The House of Representatives was created by the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852 (effective 1853), an act of the British Parliament , which established a bicameral legislature; however
3450-402: Is the current sitting of the House. The most recent general election was held on 14 October 2023 , and the 54th Parliament first sat on 5 December. It consists of 123 members, representing six parliamentary parties. Of these current MPs, 54 ( 43.9%) are women—the second-highest number since women were first allowed to stand for Parliament in 1919 , after the high of 61 ( 50.8%) achieved during
3588-643: Is the sole chamber of the New Zealand Parliament . The House passes laws , provides ministers to form the Cabinet , and supervises the work of government. It is also responsible for adopting the state's budgets and approving the state's accounts. The House of Representatives is a democratic body consisting of representatives known as members of parliament (MPs). There are normally 120 MPs, though there are currently 123 due to an overhang . Elections take place usually every three years using
3726-469: The 1905 , 1907 and 1909 Wellington City Council elections. The IPLL itself, however, was increasingly failing. Internal disputes, such as whether the party should work with or against the Liberals, created tension, and the party was generally disorganised. In 1910, the remnants of the IPLL were relaunched as a new organisation, known as the Labour Party (not to be confused with the modern party of
3864-544: The 1908 election . At the same time, moderates contested as " Lib-Lab " candidates, aligning with the Liberal Party while enjoying the endorsement of the labour movement. This established the basic dividing line in New Zealand's left-wing politics – the Socialists/IPLL tended to be revolutionary and militant, while the moderates focused instead on progressive reform. The process of unifying these sides into
4002-516: The 1928 election , however, the party was left in an advantageous position – the Reform Party had 28 seats and the new United Party (a revival of the Liberals) had 27 seats, and neither could govern without Labour support. Labour chose to back United, the party closest to its own views – this put an end to five terms (1912–1928) of Reform Party government. In the early 1930s the rigours of
4140-481: The 2017–2020 term included scrapping the previous National Government's national standards in schools and charter schools , the KiwiBuild affordable housing programme, restricting oil and gas exploration, banning semi-automatic firearms , restoring voting rights for prisoners serving less than three years and decriminalising abortion . The Labour Government also adopted an elimination approach towards
4278-800: The 2023 Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle , which devastated Auckland and the east coast of the North Island . Prior to the dissolution of Parliament , the Labour Government passed two laws as part of efforts to replace the Resource Management Act 1991 . The 2020–2023 term saw the expulsion of Labour MP Gaurva Sharma , the resignations of ministers Stuart Nash and Kiri Allan , and ministers Michael Wood and Jan Tinetti being disciplined by Parliament's privileges committee. The 2023 NZ general election, held on 14 October 2023, saw
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4416-652: The AM Network . The New Zealand House of Representatives takes the British House of Commons as its model. The New Zealand Parliament is based, in practice, on the Westminster system (that is, the procedures of the British Parliament). As a democratic institution, the primary role of the House of Representatives is to provide representation for the people and to pass legislation on behalf of
4554-515: The Bill of Rights Act , which enumerated civil and political rights. Throughout its first term (1984–1987), the Labour government remained largely unified behind the enacted radical financial, economic and social policy reforms, but early signs of dissension began to appear before the 1987 election. In 1987 Labour won another considerable election victory against the National Party, while ruptures over
4692-571: The COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand , instituting lockdowns and closing the border. Both Labour and Prime Minister Ardern attracted high domestic poll ratings due to their initial COVID-19 responses in 2020. In mid-July 2020, the Serious Fraud Office announced that it was investigating donations made to the Labour Party by two Chinese businessmen during the 2017 general election. Labour Party President Claire Szabó announced that
4830-609: The Great Depression brought Labour considerable popularity, but also caused tension between Labour and the United Party. In 1931 United passed a number of economic measures which Labour deemed hostile to workers, and the agreement between the two parties collapsed. United then formed a coalition government with Reform, making Labour the Opposition. The coalition retained power in the 1931 election , but gradually,
4968-592: The Green Party . In the 2020 general election, Labour won in a landslide , winning an overall majority of 10 and 50.01% of the vote. In the 2023 election , Labour lost its majority to the National Party and subsequently returned to Opposition . Since 2023 , Chris Hipkins serves as the party's leader , while Carmel Sepuloni is the deputy leader . The founding of the New Zealand Labour Party, on 7 July 1916 in Wellington, brought together
5106-568: The Iraq War ; and the foreshore and seabed controversy , which caused disillusioned Māori Labour MPs to split and create the Māori Party . In the 2017 election the party, under Jacinda Ardern , returned to prominence with its best showing since the 2005 general election , winning 36.9% of the party vote and 46 seats. On 19 October 2017, Labour formed a minority coalition government with New Zealand First , with confidence and supply from
5244-853: The Israel-Hamas War . The Government also implemented several co-governance arrangements in the public sector including entrenching Māori wards and constituencies in local government , the Three Waters reform programme , and creating Te Aka Whai Ora (the Māori Health Authority). Following a major COVID-19 outbreak in August 2021, the Labour Government abandoned its elimination strategy and gradually eased lockdown, border restrictions, vaccine mandates and masking requirements between 2021 and 2022. During that period, growing opposition to lockdowns and vaccine mandates led to
5382-589: The Liberal Party . Although Labour had split with its more militant faction (which went on to form various socialist parties), it maintained what were at the time radical socialist policies. Labour's 'Usehold' policy on land was, in essence, the replacement of freehold tenure by a system of perpetual lease from the state, with all land-transfer conducted through the state (the full nationalisation of farmland). This policy proved unpopular with voters, and Labour dropped it, along with other more radical policies, in
5520-502: The National Party . The New Zealand Labour Party formed in 1916 out of various socialist parties and trade unions . It is the country's oldest political party still in existence. Alongside the National Party, Labour has alternated in leading governments of New Zealand since the 1930s. As of 2020 , there have been six periods of Labour government under 11 Labour prime ministers . The party has traditionally been supported by
5658-474: The first-past-the-post voting system, with the exception of the 1908 and 1911 elections, which used a two-round system . Since 1996 , a form of proportional representation called mixed-member proportional (MMP) has been used. Under the MMP system each person has two votes; one is for electorate seats (including some reserved for Māori ), and the other is for a party. Currently there are 72 electorate seats (which includes seven Māori electorates), and
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5796-490: The governor-general . The majority of bills are proposed by the government of the day (that is, the party or coalition parties that command a majority in the House) to implement its policies. These policies may relate to the raising of revenue through taxation bills or the expenditure of money through appropriation bills (including those bills giving effect to the budget ). It is rare for government bills to be defeated—indeed
5934-403: The minister of finance ) has the power (given by the House's Standing Orders) to veto any proposed legislation that would have a major impact on the Government's budget and expenditure plans. This veto can be invoked at any stage of the process, but if applied to a bill as a whole will most likely be employed at the second-reading stage. Since the financial veto certificate was introduced in 1996,
6072-650: The working classes , Māori , Pasifika , and has had strongholds in inner cities and the Māori seats for much of its existence. Labour won the party vote in 71 out of 72 electorates in the 2020 election , making it overwhelmingly the most successful political party of the MMP era . The party first came to power under prime ministers Michael Joseph Savage and Peter Fraser from 1935 to 1949 , when it established New Zealand's welfare state . It governed from 1957 to 1960 , and again from 1972 to 1975 . In 1974, prime minister Norman Kirk died in office, which contributed to
6210-422: The "industrial anarchy" of the 1951 waterfront dispute . In the 1957 election , however, Labour won a narrow majority of two seats, and returned to office. Nash, Labour's third prime minister, took office in late 1957. Upon coming to power, Labour decided that drastic measures were needed to address balance-of-payments concerns. This resulted in the highly unpopular 1958 "Black Budget" of Arnold Nordmeyer ,
6348-511: The 1993 election, was replaced by Helen Clark in December 1993. Clark led the party in opposition to the National government for six years under the administrations of Bolger (1993–1997) and Shipley (1997–1999). During this period in opposition, the party made a measured repudiation of Rogernomics, although it has never returned to its original leftist roots (Labour's contemporary position
6486-672: The 20th century, the radical side of New Zealand working class politics was represented by the Socialist Party , founded in 1901. The more moderate leftists generally supported the Liberal Party . In 1905 a group of working-class politicians who were dissatisfied with the Liberal approach established the Independent Political Labour League (IPLL), which managed to win a seat in Parliament in
6624-649: The Alliance split as one of the reasons for calling the 2002 election several months early; Labour won comfortably. Policies of the Fifth Labour Government included the KiwiSaver scheme, the Working for Families package, increasing the minimum wage 5% a year, interest-free student loans, the establishment of District Health Boards , the introduction of a number of tax credits , overhauling
6762-473: The Black Budget ensured that Nordmeyer did not have any appreciable success in reversing the party's fortunes. In 1965 the leadership went to the younger Norman Kirk , who many believed would revitalise the party. Labour suffered defeat again in the next two elections, but in the 1972 election , the party gained a significant majority over its rival. Kirk proved an energetic prime minister and introduced
6900-652: The Electoral Amendment Act 1975: (PM/(PS/25))+(PN/(PS/25)) where: PM = Māori population; PN = European population of the North Island; PS = European population of the South Island. Voting is not compulsory , but voter turnout is high compared to other democratic countries. Universal suffrage exists for those 18 or older; New Zealand citizens and others who are permanently residing in New Zealand are usually eligible to vote. New Zealand
7038-565: The Fourth Labour Government differed significantly from previous Labour governments. The minister of finance, Roger Douglas , supported neoliberal theories, and sought to implement sweeping free-market reforms (dubbed " Rogernomics ") to the economy and to the tax system. This involved floating the New Zealand dollar, cutting government spending, reducing taxes and removing almost all industry subsidies. The government also revolutionised New Zealand's foreign policy, making
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#17327911302567176-449: The Government has exercised it only once in respect of an entire bill, in 2016, although many amendments have been vetoed at the committee of the whole House stage. If a bill receives its second reading, it goes on to be considered by a committee of the whole House . When a bill reaches the committee of the whole House stage, the House resolves itself "into committee", that is, it forms a committee consisting of all MPs (as distinct from
7314-575: The House of Representatives loses confidence in the Cabinet, and therefore in the government, then it can dissolve the government if a vote of no-confidence is passed. The House of Representatives normally consists of 120 members, who bear the title " Member of Parliament " (MP). They were previously known as "Members of the House of Representatives" (MHRs) until the passing of the Parliamentary and Executive Titles Act 1907 when New Zealand became
7452-451: The House since 1993 . The House started with 37 members in 1854, with numbers progressively increasing to 95 by 1882, before being reduced to 74 in 1891. Numbers slowly increased again to 99 by 1993. In 1996 numbers increased to at least 120 with the introduction of MMP elections (i.e. 120 plus any overhang seats ; there has been at least one overhang seat in five of the 10 MMP elections held since 1996). The year in which each change in
7590-519: The House sits in a raised chair at the open end of the horseshoe, giving him a clear view of proceedings. In front of the chair is a table, on which rests a mace . MPs cannot lawfully meet without the mace, a formal symbol of the authority of the House, being present in the chamber. (The current mace has been used since 7 October 1909, and is a replica of the one in the British House of Commons. ) Various officers—clerks and other officials—sit at
7728-550: The House. MPs may be members of more than one committee. Membership of committees is determined by the Business Specialist Committee, which is chaired by the speaker. Occasionally a special committee will be created on a temporary basis; an example was the Select Committee established to study the foreshore and seabed bill . Once in every term of Parliament a New Zealand Youth Parliament
7866-434: The House. When presiding, the speaker is obliged to remain impartial. Additionally, since 1992, the House elects a deputy speaker from amongst its members; the deputy may preside when the speaker is absent. Up to two assistants are also appointed from amongst the members of the House. Several political party -based roles are filled by elected MPs. The prime minister is the leader of the largest government party and leads
8004-480: The House. The whips make sure that members of their caucus are in the House during crucial votes. Officers of the House who are not MPs include the clerk of the House , the deputy clerk, the chief parliamentary counsel (a lawyer who helps to draft bills), and several other junior clerks. These are non-partisan roles. The most senior of these officers is the clerk of the House, who is responsible for several key administrative tasks, such as "advising members on
8142-535: The Labour Party to win 65 of the 120 seats. The House of Representatives elects one of its members as a presiding officer, known as the speaker of the House , at the beginning of each new parliamentary term, and also whenever a vacancy arises. It is the speaker's role to apply the rules of the House (called the Standing Orders ), and oversee procedures and the day-to-day operation of the chamber. The speaker responds to points of order from other members of
8280-432: The Labour caucus disliked Cunliffe, but he had strong support from the party membership. In the leadership contest he won first-preference votes from only one-third of Labour MPs. Cunliffe's tenure as leader quickly became mired in internal disputes and falling poll-ratings. Labour went on to suffer its worst electoral reversal since 1922 at the 2014 election, Cunliffe opted to resign after initially wishing to re-contest
8418-637: The Labour government lose its majority to the opposition National Party. Based on final results, Labour's share of the popular vote declined to 26.91% while its share of Parliamentary seats dropped to 34. In early November 2023, caretake Prime Minister Chris Hipkins was re-elected as leader of the Labour Party and Carmel Sepuloni was elected as deputy leader. In early 2024, three veteran Labour MPs Kelvin Davis , Rino Tirikatene and Grant Robertson resigned from Parliament, allowing Shanan Halbert , Tracey McLellan and Glen Bennett to re-enter Parliament via
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#17327911302568556-414: The MMP system when the Government is less likely to have an absolute majority, any amendments will usually need to be negotiated with other parties to obtain majority support. The Opposition may also put forward wrecking amendments . These amendments are often just symbolic of their contrasting policy position, or simply intended to delay the passage of the bill through the sheer quantity of amendments for
8694-492: The National Party soundly defeated it in the 2008 election . Following the loss to the National Party in the November 2008 election, Helen Clark stood down as leader of the party – Phil Goff succeeded her (serving from 2008–2011). Labour had a relatively high turnover of four leaders during its most recent term in opposition; journalist Nicky Hager has attributed this to Labour's reaction to changes within public media and
8832-488: The National Party to govern as a minority government from 1998 to 1999. After the 1999 election , a coalition government of Labour and the Alliance took power, with Helen Clark becoming New Zealand's second female prime minister. This government, while undertaking a number of reforms, was not particularly radical when compared to previous Labour governments, and maintained a high level of popularity. The Alliance, however, fell in popularity and split internally. Clark cited
8970-474: The National Party, then led by Robert Muldoon . Rowling remained the leader of the Labour Party for some time after his defeat. In the 1978 election and the 1981 election Labour won a larger share of the vote than National but failed to win an equivalent number of seats. This led to a very heated debate on New Zealand's electoral system, and precipitated the introduction of mixed-member proportional representation (MMP) fifteen years later . Rowling himself
9108-455: The National Party, under Sidney Holland , gained ground, although Labour was able to win the 1943 and 1946 elections. Eventually, in the 1949 election , Labour suffered electoral defeat. Fraser died shortly afterward, and was replaced by Walter Nash , the long-serving minister of finance . It would be some time before Labour would return to power; Nash lacked the charisma of his predecessors, and National won considerable support for opposing
9246-575: The Party into the political wilderness with an election landslide loss. National swept to power, seemingly repudiating the Lange/Douglas program, but then engaged in even more radical policies than Labour had contemplated. Political disillusionment caused by both governments was to be instrumental in the later adoption of mixed-member proportional representation (MMP) in 1993 (implemented in 1996). Moore himself, despite recovering sixteen seats at
9384-409: The Reform Party and the United Party took their coalition to the next step, agreeing to merge with each other. The combined organisation, named the National Party , would be Labour's main rival in future years. Labour also faced opposition within its own ranks. While the Labour Party had been explicitly socialist at its inception, it had gradually drifted away from its earlier radicalism. The death of
9522-804: The Social Democrats and the ULP Remnant broke down, and in 1915 they formed a unified caucus – both to oppose Reform better and to differentiate themselves from the Liberals. A year later yet another gathering took place. This time, all major factions of the labour movement agreed to unite, forming the Labour Party as it is today. Almost immediately, the new Labour Party became involved in the acrimonious debate about conscription which arose during World War I . The party strongly opposed conscription, and several leading members – Peter Fraser , Harry Holland , Bob Semple and Paddy Webb – were jailed and expelled from Parliament for their stand against
9660-405: The attorney-general will present a report to the House, known as a Section 7 report, highlighting the inconsistencies. The select committee will scrutinise the bill, going over it in more detail than can be achieved by the whole membership of the House. The public can also make submissions to select committees, offering support, criticism, or merely comments. Written submissions from the public to
9798-415: The beginning of Labour's first term in office. The new government quickly set about implementing a number of significant reforms, including a reorganisation of the social-welfare system and setting up the state housing scheme. Workers also benefited from the introduction of the forty-hour week, and legislation making it easier for unions to negotiate on their behalf. Savage himself was highly popular with
9936-412: The bill will generally make a recommendation that the bill be considered by an appropriate select committee ( see § Committees ). Sometimes, it will be recommended that a special committee be formed, usually when the bill is particularly important or controversial. The House then votes as to whether the bill should be sent to the committee for deliberation. It is not uncommon for a bill to be voted to
10074-546: The bill's overall goals or principles (that should have occurred at the second reading). Sometimes a member may advertise the proposed amendments beforehand by having them printed on an Amendment Paper (known as Supplementary Order Papers prior to the 54th Parliament); this is common for amendments proposed by government ministers. Some Amendment Papers are very extensive, and, if agreed to, can result in major amendments to bills. On rare occasions, Amendment Papers are referred to select committees for comment. The extent to which
10212-410: The chamber of the House at the beginning and end of each sitting day. The House of Representatives usually sits Tuesday to Thursday when in session. The House meets in the debating chamber located inside Parliament House, Wellington . The layout is similar to the design of the chamber of the British House of Commons . The seats and desks are arranged in rows in a horseshoe pattern. The speaker of
10350-530: The clerk, either on paper or electronically, and answers are recorded in Parliamentary Debates (Hansard) . Most parliamentary business is about making new laws and amending old laws. The House examines and amends bills —the title given to a proposed piece of legislation while under consideration by the House—in several formal stages. The term for these stages is " reading ", which originates from
10488-420: The committee are normally due two months after the bill's first reading. Submitters can opt to also give an oral submission, which are heard by the committee in Wellington, and numbers permitting, Auckland and Christchurch. The select committee stage is seen as increasingly important today—in the past, the governing party generally dominated select committees, making the process something of a rubber stamp , but in
10626-462: The committee of the whole House to vote on. The final reading takes the same format as the first and second readings—a two-hour debate with MPs making ten-minute speeches. The speeches once again refer to the bill in general terms, and represent the final chance for debate. A final vote is taken. If a bill passes its third reading, it is passed on to the governor-general, who will (assuming constitutional conventions are followed) give it Royal Assent as
10764-492: The consideration and recommendations of the select committee and issues raised in public submissions. Parties will usually have made their final decision on a bill after the select committee stage, and will make their views clear during the second reading debates. At the conclusion of debate, the House votes on whether to accept any amendments recommended by the select committee by majority (unanimous amendments are not subjected to this extra hurdle). The Government (usually through
10902-693: The country a nuclear-free zone , which resulted in suspension from the ANZUS alliance. Labour liberalised immigration policy and promoted migration from Asia. Other innovations during the term of the Fourth Labour Government included extending the jurisdiction of the Waitangi Tribunal back to 1840 (the date of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi ); the Homosexual Law Reform Act 1986 , which legalised homosexual relations; and
11040-516: The course of the 1920s. In the 1922 election , Labour more than doubled its number of seats, winning seventeen. In the 1925 election , it declined somewhat but had the consolation of soon overtaking the Liberals as the second-largest party. Labour leader Harry Holland became the official Leader of the Opposition on 16 June 1926, after the Eden by-election on 15 April elected Rex Mason (Labour) to replace James Parr (Reform), who had resigned. After
11178-435: The direction of policy remained concealed. Despite taking votes from affluent areas, Labour suffered negative swings in more traditional seats, while the blue-ribbon seat of Remuera nearly fell into the Labour column. The government's second term (1987–1990), with an increased Labour majority won on the back of Lange's anti-nuclear stance, saw emerging divisions over economic policy arising within Cabinet. Ministers debated
11316-460: The discretion of the prime minister, especially if a minority government is unable to retain the confidence of the House. Members who change their party allegiance during a term—known as " waka-jumping "—may be expelled from the House. Members may also be expelled in cases of criminal activity or other serious misconduct. Some expulsions have been challenged through the courts. Casual vacancies in electorates are filled through by-elections ; if
11454-620: The divisions in the labour movement and to establish a united front. Accordingly, Walter Thomas Mills organised another Unity Conference , and this time the Socialists attended. The resulting group was named the Social Democratic Party . Not all members of the United Labour Party accepted the new organisation, however, and some continued under their own banner. Gradually, however, the differences between
11592-553: The earlier Liberal–Labour alliance which had given Labourers a voice in parliament in the past. The IPLL had more success in local government politics. Particularly in Wellington , the IPLL had many candidates elected as city councillors and harbour board members such as Frank Moore and Alfred Hindmarsh . IPLL MP David McLaren was later elected the Mayor of Wellington , serving from 1912 to 1913. IPLL candidates were successful in
11730-436: The economy from a protectionist one through extensive deregulation . As part of Rogernomics , Labour privatised state assets and greatly reduced the role of the state, causing a party split in 1989. Labour prime minister David Lange , a member of the party's left , also introduced New Zealand's nuclear-free policy . After a significant defeat in the 1990 election , Labour's neoliberal faction would largely defect from
11868-411: The emergence of several anti-vaccination protest groups including Voices for Freedom and Brian Tamaki 's The Freedoms and Rights Coalition , culminating in the 2022 occupation of Parliament's grounds . On 19 January 2023, Ardern announced her resignation as party leader and therefore prime minister. In the resultant leadership election Chris Hipkins was the only candidate and was confirmed as
12006-476: The extent and pace of further reforms, and there was disillusion among party members and supporters loyal to Labour's left-wing tradition. The Council of Trade Unions criticised the Labour Party. One vocal member of Parliament critical of government policy, former Party President Jim Anderton , departed to establish the NewLabour Party , which later became a part of the left-wing Alliance Party . At
12144-416: The first conference was held in early 1905, with John Rigg elected as the first president. At the conference, it was claimed that the new organisation had over a thousand members. In 1905 the IPLL campaigned on a policy of "Nationalisation of land and means of production and distribution". It also had ambitions to establish a state owned and operated bank, unemployment benefits, a legal 40-hour working week,
12282-428: The first time in over a decade. During the 2017 election , Labour gained 36.6% of the party vote and increased its presence in the House of Representatives to 46 seats, making it the second-largest party in Parliament. On 19 October 2017, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters announced that his party would form a coalition government with Labour, citing changing international and internal economic circumstances as
12420-637: The first to be defeated in the twentieth century was in 1998, when the Local Government Amendment Bill (No 5) was defeated on its second reading. Individual MPs who are not ministers may propose their own bills, called members' bills —these are usually put forward by opposition parties, or by MPs who wish to deal with a matter that parties do not take positions on. At any time, there are eight members bills awaiting their first reading, and when space becomes available, new member's bills are selected by ballot to be introduced. The ballet
12558-404: The founding of the first nationwide federation of trade unions (the " Red Federation "). The Labour Party was established by trade unions, among other groups, and the party identifies itself as part of the wider labour movement in New Zealand. The Labour Party has long been identified with red, a political colour traditionally affiliated with socialism and the labour movement. At the turn of
12696-503: The government opposed New Zealand military action in the Iraq War . In early 2004 Labour came under attack in the foreshore and seabed controversy . Significant internal tensions within the party eventually culminated in the resignation of junior minister Tariana Turia and her establishment of the new Māori Party . Following the 2005 election , Labour formed a coalition with the Progressive Party (breakaway party of
12834-650: The government's contribution to major debates in the House. The leader of the Official Opposition is the MP who leads the largest opposition party. The leader of the House is an MP appointed by the prime minister to arrange government business and the legislative programme of Parliament. Whips (called musterers by the Green Party ) are organisers and administrators of the MPs in each of the political parties in
12972-406: The introduction of the MMP system in 1996. Described as a "landslide" victory in which the party won the party vote in "virtually every single electorate", Labour is believed to have gained support from swing voters , many of whom had previously voted for National under John Key . On 20 October, Newshub reported that Ardern was not intending to forge a formal coalition with the Green Party but
13110-466: The leader of the Opposition. Members from parties that are not openly aligned with either the Government or the Official Opposition are sometimes referred to as " crossbenchers ". Members have the option of addressing the House in English, Te Reo Māori , or New Zealand Sign Language (with an interpreter provided). Speeches are addressed to the presiding officer, using the words 'Mister Speaker', if
13248-581: The leadership. His replacement, Andrew Little (2014–2017), then resigned in 2017 following new polling showing the party sinking to a record low result of 24%, with internal voices hoping that rising star Jacinda Ardern would take over in his stead. The caucus confirmed Ardern as the new Labour leader (2017–2023). After Ardern's election to its parliamentary leadership Labour rose dramatically in opinion polls. By late August they had risen to 43% in one poll (having been 24% under Little's leadership), as well as managing to overtake National in opinion polls for
13386-505: The more sympathetic Liberal MPs. In the 1908 election , however, one IPLL candidate was elected in the Wellington East electorate on the second ballot . The Liberal vote was split by two Liberal Party candidates, and both Liberal candidates were eliminated in the first ballot. This left the IPLL candidate, David McLaren , face a conservative candidate and with many Liberal voters transferring their allegiance to McLaren, he won
13524-412: The multi-party environment there is significant scope for real debate. Select committees frequently recommend changes to bills, with prompts for change coming from the MPs sitting in the committee, officials who advise the committee, and members of the public. When a majority of the committee is satisfied with the bill, the committee will report back to the House on it. Unless Parliament grants an extension,
13662-508: The new Labour leader on 22 January. Hipkins' premiership saw a shift in focus to "cost of living issues" and a "policy bonfire" that saw the scrapping or revision of several Government policies and initiatives including the planned merger of public broadcasters RNZ and TVNZ , a biofuel mandate, lowering the voting age to 16 years and the Clean Car Upgrade programme. Hipkins' government also responded to two natural disasters,
13800-405: The new minister of finance, which raised taxes on alcohol, cigarettes, cars, and petrol. It is widely thought to have doomed the party to defeat despite the economy rejuvenating less than a year after the adoption of the Black Budget. In the 1960 election , the National Party returned to power. The elderly Nash retired in 1963, suffering from ill health. Nordmeyer replaced him, but the taint of
13938-415: The number of members took effect is shown in the following table. The total number of seats from 1969 to 1975 was calculated by the formula stated in the Electoral Amendment Act 1965: 4M+(PN/(PS/25)) where: 4M = 4 Māori seats; PN = European population of the North Island; PS = European population of the South Island. The total number of seats from 1976 to 1995 was calculated by the formula stated in
14076-511: The old Alliance), and entered into complex confidence and supply agreements with the centrist United Future and New Zealand First parties, which gave each party's leader a ministerial portfolio, while the support parties remained outside the Cabinet. A limited support agreement also linked Labour with the Green Party , giving certain policy concessions to the Greens in return for abstention on confidence-and-supply votes. Labour lost power when
14214-550: The outgoing Third National Government . Government debt was skyrocketing, due largely to the costs of borrowing to maintain a fixed exchange-rate . When the result of the election became clear, Lange asked Muldoon to devalue the New Zealand dollar , which Muldoon refused to do, resulting in a constitutional crisis and precipitating some of the changes in the Constitution Act 1986 . The economic-policy agenda of
14352-409: The pace of reform began to slow, and calls arose for an independent workers' party. In 1904, the annual conference of Trades and Labour Councils called for the formation of a new organisation. This party would be focused solely on workers, unlike the Liberal Party, but would be committed to change through reform, unlike the revolution-minded Socialist Party . A constitution was drawn up in late 1904, and
14490-401: The party and form ACT New Zealand . Labour again became the largest party from 1999 to 2008 , when it governed in coalition with, or based on negotiated support from, several minor parties; Helen Clark became the first Labour prime minister to secure a third full term in office. Clark's government was marked by the creation of Kiwibank , a state-owned banking corporation; strong opposition to
14628-432: The party and how they voted must be tabled after the vote. In the personal vote method, MPs enter one of two lobbies (the "Aye" lobby or the "No" lobby) on either side of the chamber. At each lobby are two tellers (themselves MPs) who count the votes of the MPs. Once the division concludes, the tellers provide the results to the speaker, who then announces the result. In case of a tie, the motion lapses. Every sitting day
14766-410: The party vote method, the clerk of the House reads out each party's name in turn. A member of the party (usually a whip) will respond to their party's name by stating how many members of the party are in favour and how many members are opposed. The clerk tallies up the votes and gives the results to the speaker, who announces the result. If the members of a party are not unanimous, a list of the members of
14904-434: The party would co-operate with the investigation. The 2017–2020 term saw several ministerial resignations for various indiscretions, notably Phil Twyford , Clare Curran , Meka Whaitiri and David Clark . In the 2020 election , Labour gained 50% of the party vote and increased its presence in the House of Representatives to 65 seats, marking the first time that a party has won enough seats to govern alone since
15042-420: The party's former leader, the "doctrinaire" Harry Holland, had marked a significant turning-point in the party's history. Some within the party, however, were displeased about the changing focus of the party. Most notably, John A. Lee . Lee, whose views were a mixture of socialism and social credit theory, emerged as a vocal critic of the party's leadership, accusing it of behaving autocratically and of betraying
15180-482: The party's rank and file. After a long and bitter dispute, the Party expelled Lee from the party, who then established his own breakaway Democratic Labour Party . Savage died in 1940 and Peter Fraser , who became Labour's longest-serving prime minister, replaced him. Fraser became best-known as New Zealand's head of government for most of World War II . In the post-war period, however, ongoing shortages and industrial problems cost Labour considerable popularity, and
15318-503: The people ( see § Passage of legislation ). The House of Representatives also plays an important role in responsible government . The New Zealand Government (that is, the executive ), directed by the Cabinet, draws its membership exclusively from the House. A government is formed when a party or coalition can show that it has the "confidence" of the House, meaning the support of a majority of members of parliament. This can involve making agreements among several parties. Some may join
15456-401: The political environment. Goff led Labour into a second electoral defeat in 2011 and was succeeded by David Shearer , who led the Labour parliamentary from 2011 to 2013. Shearer resigned after losing the confidence of caucus. David Cunliffe (2013–2014) assumed the leadership after the 2013 leadership election in which, under new rules, members and unions held 60% of the vote. Most of
15594-532: The practice in the British Parliament where bills were literally read aloud in the chamber. In New Zealand only a bill's title is read aloud. Once a bill has passed through all its parliamentary stages it is enacted and becomes an act of Parliament , forming part of New Zealand's law . Bills become acts after being approved three times by House votes and then receiving the Royal Assent from
15732-419: The prime minister and is surrounded by Opposition spokespersons. A member who is not a minister or spokesperson is referred to as a " backbencher ". A backbencher may still be subject to party discipline (called " whipping "). Whips ensure that members of their party attend and vote as the party leadership desires. Government whips are seated behind the prime minister; Opposition whips are normally seated behind
15870-406: The prime minister and other party leaders are entitled to make longer speeches. Debate may be further restricted by the passage of "time allocation" motions. Alternatively, the House may end debate more quickly by passing a motion for "closure". A vote is held to resolve a question when it is put to the House of Representatives. The House first votes by voice vote; the speaker or deputy speaker puts
16008-494: The process is the first reading. The member introducing the bill (often a minister) will give a detailed speech on the bill as a whole. Debate on the bill last about two hours for government bills and one hour for other members' bills, with 12 MPs making ten-minute speeches on the bill's general principles. Speaking slots are allocated based on the size of each party, with different parties using different methods to distribute their slots among their members. The member introducing
16146-706: The public became highly dissatisfied with its failure to resolve the country's economic problems. Harry Holland died in 1933 and his deputy, Michael Joseph Savage, became the Labour Party parliamentary leader. In the 1935 election , the Labour Party gained a significant majority, gaining 53 seats to the coalition's 19, and returned to government. Several of the early Labour Party stalwarts were Australian-born: Alfred Hindmarsh , Harry Holland , Michael Joseph Savage , Bob Semple , Paddy Webb , Bill Parry and later Jerry Skinner , Mabel Howard , Hugh Watt , Jim Edwards and Dorothy Jelicich . Party leader Michael Joseph Savage became prime minister on 6 December 1935, marking
16284-401: The question, and MPs respond either "Aye" (in favour of the motion) or "No" (against the motion). The presiding officer then announces the result of the voice vote, but if his assessment is challenged by any member, a recorded vote known as a division follows. There are two methods of handling a division: party vote is used for most votes, but personal vote is used for conscience issues. In
16422-685: The reasoning behind his decision, coupled with a belief that a Labour government was best-placed to handle the social and economic welfare of New Zealanders in a global environment that was undergoing rapid and "seismic" change. This coalition, combined with confidence and supply from the Green Party, saw Labour return to government for the first time since 2008. Ardern became prime minister, with Peters as her deputy. The Labour government pledged to eliminate child poverty, make tertiary education free, reduce immigration by 20,000 to 30,000, decriminalise abortion , and make all rivers swimmable within 10 years. Notable policies, programmes and legislation during
16560-405: The remaining 48 seats are apportioned (from party lists ) so that representation in parliament reflects the party vote, although a party has to win one electorate or 5 percent of the total party vote before it is eligible for these seats. After the introduction of proportional representation, no single party won an outright majority until the 2020 election when Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern led
16698-412: The rules, practices and customs of the House". Another important officer is the serjeant-at-arms , whose duties include the maintenance of order and security in the precincts of the House. The serjeant-at-arms sits in the debating chamber opposite the speaker at the visitors door for each House sitting session. The serjeant-at-arms is also the custodian of the mace , and bears the mace into and out of
16836-463: The sale of tobacco to anyone born after 1 January 2009, repealing "three strikes" legislation , and banning live animal exports. In terms of foreign policy, the Labour Government supported Ukraine following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine , sanctioned Russia, signed free trade agreements with both the United Kingdom and European Union , and advocated restraint in response to
16974-712: The same name ). Eventually, this Labour Party joined with several independent groups to create the United Labour Party , which then merged with the Socialist Party to form the Social Democratic Party . The Social Democrats, along with various members of the United Labour Party who had rejected the previous merger, eventually formed the basis of the modern Labour Party . New Zealand House of Representatives Official Opposition (34) Crossbench (21) The House of Representatives ( Māori : Whare o Raro , lit. 'Lower House')
17112-568: The same time Roger Douglas and Lange fought intermittent battles inside Cabinet, with Douglas wanting to expand his economic programme dramatically. Lange strongly opposed a flat-tax proposal from Douglas and moved to sack him, resulting in political clashes throughout 1988 and the departure of Douglas from the Cabinet in December 1988. After the Labour Caucus re-elected Douglas to Cabinet on 3 August 1989, Lange resigned from office himself (8 August 1989), interpreting Douglas's reappointment as
17250-412: The second ballot. This was the first time that any organised political party other than the Liberals had won a seat; the conservative opposition was still disorganised. Legislative Councilor (and party member) Tom Paul put the IPLL's lack of success down to making the mistake of running candidates against Liberal members who were sympathetic to the Labour cause. He concluded that this had completely broken
17388-629: The secondary-school qualifications system by introducing the NCEA , and the introduction of fourteen weeks' parental leave. Labour also supported the Civil Union Act 2004 , which legalised civil unions for same-sex and opposite-sex couples. The foreign policy of the Fifth Labour Government strongly reflected liberal internationalist doctrine, with a particular emphasis on promoting democracy and human rights, advocating for antimilitarism and disarmament , and encouragement of free trade. In 2003,
17526-469: The select committee stage even by parties which do not support it—since select committees can recommend amendments to bills, parties will often not make a final decision on whether to back a bill until the second reading. Prior to the first reading, the attorney-general will check the bill is consistent with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 . If the bill or part of it is not consistent,
17664-420: The speaker. No member may speak more than once on the same question (except that the mover of a motion is entitled to make one speech at the beginning of the debate and another at the end). The Standing Orders of the House of Representatives prescribe time limits for speeches. The limits depend on the nature of the motion, but are most commonly between ten and twenty minutes. However, under certain circumstances,
17802-535: The table, ready to advise the speaker on procedure when necessary. Members of the Government occupy the seats on the speaker's right, while members of the Official Opposition sit on the speaker's left. Members are assigned seating on the basis of the seniority in a party caucus; ministers sit around the prime minister, who is traditionally assigned the fourth seat along the front row on the speaker's right. The Opposition leader sits directly across from
17940-403: The term of the 53rd parliament . Based on British tradition, the longest continuously serving member in the House holds the unofficial title " father [or mother] of the House ". The current Father of the House is Gerry Brownlee , the current speaker, who has served continuously since 1996 . He inherited the title following the departure of former speaker Trevor Mallard , who had served in
18078-408: The time limit for select committee deliberations is six months or whatever deadline was set by the House when the bill was referred. The second reading, like the first, generally consists of a two-hour debate in which MPs make ten-minute speeches. Again, speaking slots are allocated to parties based on their size. In theory, speeches should relate to the principles and objects of the bill, and also to
18216-615: The upper chamber, the Legislative Council , was abolished in 1950. Parliament received full control over all New Zealand affairs in 1947 with the passage of the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act . The debating chamber of the House of Representatives is located inside Parliament House in Wellington , the capital city. Sittings of the House are usually open to the public, but the House may at any time vote to sit in private. Proceedings are broadcast through Parliament TV and
18354-471: The war. The loss of leadership threatened to seriously destabilise the party, but the party survived. (Fraser, Semple and Webb later supported conscription in World War II . ) In its first real electoral test as a united party, the 1919 election , Labour won eight seats – the party's quick success shocked many conservatives. The eight seats compared with 47 for the governing Reform Party and 21 for
18492-457: The working classes, and his portrait could be found on walls in many houses around the country. At this time the Labour Party pursued an alliance with the Māori Rātana movement. The parliamentary opposition, meanwhile, attacked the Labour Party's more left-wing policies and accused it of undermining free enterprise and hard work. In May 1936, months after Labour's first general election win,
18630-400: Was born. Soon afterward, the labour movement went through the 1912 Waihi miners' strike , a major industrial disturbance prompted by radicals in the union movement. The movement split over supporting or opposing the radicals, and in the end, the conservative Reform Party government of William Massey suppressed the strike by force. In the strike's aftermath, there was a major drive to end
18768-428: Was compared by media unfavourably to Muldoon, and did not cope well with Muldoon's aggressive style. In 1983 Rowling was replaced as parliamentary leader by David Lange , whom the parliamentary caucus perceived as more charismatic. In the snap election of 1984 , Labour decisively defeated the National Party. When the Fourth Labour Government came into power it uncovered a fiscal crisis that had been largely hidden by
18906-472: Was exploring the possibility of a lower-level support arrangement due to Labour's large parliamentary majority. Following prolonged negotiations, the Green Party agreed to enter into a cooperation agreement with the Labour Party on 31 October and received two ministerial portfolios in return. Despite this landslide victory Labour faced criticism from economists due to the government's lack of action on New Zealand's housing affordability crisis , despite it being
19044-475: Was the first self-governing nation to enfranchise women , starting from the 1893 election . There are a few disqualifications; for example, mentally-impaired persons detained in hospital and prisoners sentenced to a term of over three years are ineligible to vote. Parliamentary elections are conducted by secret ballot —for European New Zealanders since 1871 and Māori seats since 1938 . Almost all general elections between 1853 and 1993 were held under
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