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Strengthening Democracy Project 2026

 

 

Reviewing New Zealand’s Voting System (MMP)

 

The Strengthening Democracy Project 2026 focuses on reviewing Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMP), New Zealand’s voting system, which was introduced in 1996.

In 2026, MMP will be 30 years old, making it a good time to review how well it is working particularly given it is an election year. We will be considering whether MMP has achieved the goals that were aspired to when it was implemented and challenges that the system presents for today’s parliament and democracy in New Zealand

 

Before 1996, New Zealand used First Past the Post (FPP). Concerns about fairness led to a Royal Commission in 1986, which recommended MMP. Two referendums followed:

 

  • 1992 – voters supported changing the system

  • 1993 – voters chose MMP

 

Why review MMP now?

 

The world has changed a lot since 1996. Many democracies now face challenges such as:

  • Political polarisation

  • Populism

  • The growing influence of social media, including misinformation

 

Some countries also have stronger checks and balances than New Zealand, such as:

  • Two parliamentary chambers

  • A written constitution

  • A supreme court with the power to review laws

 

This project is your chance to play a potential role in shaping our democracy for the future and to think about the future of New Zealand’s democracy.. Planning for the future is the most important part of the project and half of the marks are for your ideas about what should change. Be bold and creative.

 

What you need to address

 

  1. Has MMP achieved the goals that led to its introduction?
    Use the 1986 Royal Commission report as a starting point.
    (20 points)

  2. Has MMP caused any unintended problems?
    (10 points)

  3. What changes if any, would you recommend to New Zealand’s voting system and our “Constitution” for the future?
    (50 points)

  4. Should laws be changed to reduce political polarisation, especially linked to social media?
    You may refer to events such as the Parliament protests in early 2022.
    (20 points)

 

The process

 

1. Written submission

 

  • Maximum 1000 words

  • If AI has been used it must be acknowledged

  • Reference sources should be given (this can be in addition  to 1000 word limit.

  • Submit by 4 June 2026

  • Email to breakfasts@cullen.nz

 

2. Preliminary Inhouse Select Committee presentation

 

  • Sunday 14 June 2026

  • 5 minutes presentation + 10 minutes questions

  • You will be given a time slot

 

3. Final Select Committee at Parliament (shortlisted teams)

 

  • 23 June 3.15- 4.45 pm

  • Present to a panel the same presentation including current Members of Parliament (you need to present not read from your essay)

  • Same format: 5 minutes presentation + 5 minutes questions

 

What the judges will look for

 

  • How well you answer all four questions

  • Your understanding of New Zealand’s democratic system

  • How clearly you explain and support your ideas

  • What you learned from the project workshops

 

The Committee will make recommendations to Victoria University who will make the final awards for 1st place.
All teams will be notified of the results by 3 July 2026.

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