History of Elections in New Zealand in Timeline
New Zealand's government is a representative democracy with a unicameral parliament. Members of Parliament are elected in general elections, typically held every three years. The prime minister can call for early elections under certain circumstances, such as a vote of no confidence. By-elections are held to fill any vacancies that occur during a parliamentary term. Election day is always a Saturday, but advance voting is permitted. The last general election was on October 14, 2023.
1917: World War I Election Delay
In 1917, New Zealand's general election was postponed due to World War I. Acts of Parliament extended the term to maintain stability during the war, leading to an eventual election in 1919.
1919: Delayed Election Due to World War I
The 1919 general election in New Zealand was delayed due to World War I. Originally scheduled for 1917, it was postponed by Acts of Parliament which extended their terms during the war period.
1934: Great Depression Causes Election Delay
In 1934, New Zealand postponed its general election due to the Great Depression, eventually holding it in 1935 after extending the parliamentary term.
1935: Delayed Election Due to Great Depression
The 1935 New Zealand general election was delayed due to the Great Depression. Originally meant to occur in 1934, Parliament extended its term to manage the economic crisis.
1938: Incumbent Party Wins Increased Majority
The 1938 New Zealand general election saw the governing party win an increased majority, one of the few times this occurred in the country's electoral history.
1941: World War II Election Delay
The New Zealand general election was delayed in 1941 due to World War II, with Parliament extending its term to maintain governance during the war, leading to an eventual election in 1943.
1943: Delayed Election Due to World War II
In 1943, the New Zealand general election was delayed as a result of World War II. Originally scheduled for 1941, the election was postponed by extending the parliamentary term.
1950: Saturday Election Requirement Introduced
In 1950, New Zealand introduced the legal requirement to hold elections on a Saturday, which first applied to the 1951 election. This change aimed to standardize election days and potentially increase voter turnout.
1951: 1951 Snap Election Amid Industrial Dispute
In 1951, New Zealand held a snap election amid an industrial dispute involving striking waterfront workers. The election was called by the government to address the crisis.
1951: 1951 Snap Election Amid Industrial Dispute
In 1951, New Zealand held a snap election amid an industrial dispute involving striking waterfront workers. The election was called by the government to address the crisis.
1951: 1951 Snap Election Amid Industrial Dispute
In 1951, New Zealand held a snap election amid an industrial dispute involving striking waterfront workers. The election was called by the government to address the crisis.
1957: Formation of November Election Convention
Beginning with the 1957 election, a convention was formed in New Zealand to hold general elections on the last Saturday of November. This established a traditional timeframe for elections that persisted for several decades.
1984: 1984 Snap Election and Its Controversy
The 1984 snap election in New Zealand was controversial as it is believed that Prime Minister Robert Muldoon called it while intoxicated. The election backfired, leading to a loss for the governing party.
1984: 1984 Snap Election and Its Controversy
The 1984 snap election in New Zealand was controversial as it is believed that Prime Minister Robert Muldoon called it while intoxicated. The election backfired, leading to a loss for the governing party.
1986: Constitution Act 1986 - Election Timing
The Constitution Act 1986 in New Zealand outlines the timing of general elections, requiring them every three years. It also provides guidelines for the dissolution of Parliament and the issuance of writs for elections.
1986: Constitution Act 1986 - Parliamentary and Election Rules
The Constitution Act 1986 set out the rules for the term of Parliament and the timing of general elections in New Zealand. This act mandates elections every three years and outlines the procedures for the dissolution of Parliament and the return of writs.
1993: First Election Under MMP System
Following the 1993 electoral referendum, New Zealand held its first general election under the mixed-member proportional (MMP) system in 1996. This marked a significant transition from the first-past-the-post system used in almost all elections between 1853 and 1993.
1993: Introduction of MMP Voting System
In 1993, New Zealand introduced the mixed-member proportional (MMP) voting system, marking the most significant change to the electoral system in the 20th century. This change led to a multi-party system and mostly minority or coalition governments.
1993: Electoral Act 1993 - Election Procedures
The Electoral Act 1993 in New Zealand lays down specific procedures for elections, including the issuance and return of writs, and the timeline for polling day. This act complements the Constitution Act 1986 in governing electoral processes.
1996: Early Election to Avoid By-Election
In 1996, New Zealand held its general election slightly early to avoid conducting a by-election following the resignation of Michael Laws. This was a strategic move to maintain electoral stability.
1996: Televised Leaders' Debates
Since 1996, televised debates have included leaders from all parties with parliamentary representation in New Zealand.
1996: First MMP Election Held
The first New Zealand general election under the mixed-member proportional (MMP) voting system took place in 1996. This was after the 1993 referendum which led to the adoption of MMP, transforming New Zealand's electoral landscape.
1999: Impact of Special Votes
In the 1999 New Zealand election, special votes significantly influenced the final results, allowing the Greens and New Zealand First to enter Parliament, despite not qualifying based on preliminary results.
1999: Return to November Election Convention
The 1999 New Zealand general election marked a return to the traditional November election schedule after disruptions caused by previous snap elections. This reestablished the conventional timing for elections.
2001: Local Electoral Act 2001
The Local Electoral Act 2001 came into effect in 2001, establishing a fixed election date for local elections in New Zealand.
2002: United Future's Debate Success
The United Future party saw a rise in popularity following their leader's strong performance in a televised debate during the 2002 New Zealand general election.
2002: 2002 Snap Election and Its Impact
The 2002 snap election in New Zealand led to adjustments in subsequent election schedules, impacting the timing of the 2005 and 2008 elections as the cycle was restored to its traditional timeframe.
2002: 2002 Snap Election and Its Impact
The 2002 snap election in New Zealand led to adjustments in subsequent election schedules, impacting the timing of the 2005 and 2008 elections as the cycle was restored to its traditional timeframe.
2002: 2002 Snap Election and Its Impact
The 2002 snap election in New Zealand led to adjustments in subsequent election schedules, impacting the timing of the 2005 and 2008 elections as the cycle was restored to its traditional timeframe.
2002: Launch of ElectionResults.govt.nz
In 2002, a dedicated website, ElectionResults.govt.nz, was launched to provide live updates of New Zealand election results.
2005: Election Timing Adjustment Post-2002 Snap Election
In 2005, New Zealand held its general election with a timing adjustment following the 2002 snap election. The election cycle was restored to its traditional November base after earlier disruptions.
2008: Voter Satisfaction Survey
A 2008 survey by the Electoral Commission found that most New Zealand voters (71%) spent less than 5 minutes voting, and 98% were satisfied with the waiting time.
2008: Election Timing Adjustment Continues
Following the 2002 snap election, New Zealand continued adjusting its election timing in 2008 to return to the usual November schedule, part of efforts to stabilize the electoral cycle.
2011: Judicial Recounts
Following the 2011 New Zealand election, judicial recounts were requested in the Waitakere and Christchurch Central electorates due to close results.
2011: Advance Voting Changes
Starting in 2011, voters in New Zealand were allowed to vote in advance for any reason, removing previous restrictions.
2011: Declining Voter Turnout
Voter turnout in the 2011 New Zealand election reached its lowest point (69.57%) since the introduction of universal suffrage in 1893.
2011: Reestablishment of November Election Convention
With the 2011 election, New Zealand returned to holding general elections on the last Saturday of November, restoring the historical convention disrupted by earlier snap elections.
2014: Continued Low Voter Turnout
Despite a slight increase, the 2014 New Zealand election had the second-lowest voter turnout (72.14%) in the country's history, highlighting a continuing trend of declining voter participation.
2014: Advance Voting Statistics
In the 2014 New Zealand general election, 24% of the votes were cast in advance.
2014: Shift to September/October Election Timing
Starting with the 2014 general election, New Zealand shifted its election timing to September or October, moving away from the traditional November schedule. This change reflects a modern adaptation in the electoral cycle.
2014: Electoral Commission Report
The Electoral Commission released a report after the 2014 election.
2017: Rise of Advance Voting
In the 2017 general election, there was a significant increase in the use of advance voting in New Zealand, with 47% of votes cast in advance, up from 24% in 2014.
2017: "Orange Guy" Mascot
"Orange Guy", the Electoral Commission's mascot, was introduced. Stand-up comedian David Correos became the voice of "Orange Guy" in 2017.
2017: Electorate Adjustments for 2017 Election
In the 2017 New Zealand general election, the number of electorates increased by one to accommodate the North Island's population growth. This led to the creation of the Takanini electorate and adjustments to the boundaries of 30 general electorates and five Māori electorates.
2017: Electoral Roll Sales Report
In 2017, the Electoral Commission of New Zealand recommended discontinuing the sales of electoral rolls for purposes other than electoral ones, following a report on the general election. This was due to concerns over misuse, such as marketing companies sending unsolicited advertising mail to registered voters.
2018: Northcote By-election: Advance Voting Milestone
The Northcote by-election in 2018 marked the first parliamentary election in New Zealand where more people voted in advance than on election day.
October 2019: New Zealand Local Elections
Local elections were held in New Zealand in October 2019, in accordance with the Local Electoral Act 2001.
2020: "Orange Guy" and Pup
"Orange Guy" was joined by a new character, Pup, for the 2020 general election campaign.
2020: New Zealand Elections and COVID-19
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, polling booths were not set up in hospitals and rest homes during the 2020 New Zealand elections. Voters could cast their ballots at any voting place in the country, regardless of their electorate.
2020: Labour Party Wins Outright Majority
In 2020, the Labour Party, led by Jacinda Ardern, became the first party to win an outright majority since the introduction of the MMP system in 1993. This was a significant political achievement in New Zealand's multi-party system.
2020: Advance Voting in 2020 Election
In the 2020 New Zealand election, 57% of voters cast their ballots in advance.
2020: 72 Electorates in 2020 General Election
The 2020 general election in New Zealand featured 72 electorates, including seven specifically reserved for Māori individuals. This structure reflects the country's commitment to representation and the adjustment of electorate boundaries post-census.
October 2022: New Zealand Local Elections
Local elections were held in New Zealand in October 2022, as mandated by the Local Electoral Act 2001.
2022: 2022 Local Elections in New Zealand
In 2022, New Zealand held local elections where local government politicians, such as mayors and councillors, were elected. Fifteen councils adopted the single transferable vote (STV) system, reflecting a shift from the traditional first-past-the-post (FPP) system used in most local elections.
October 2023: 2023 General Election in New Zealand
The most recent general election in New Zealand took place on 14 October 2023. This election continued the tradition of holding elections on a Saturday, with advance voting available in the lead-up to the election date. This election is part of New Zealand's representative democracy where members of the unicameral Parliament are elected.