Government considers extending parliamentary term subject to public vote.
The Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has announced plans for a proposed legislation that would enable a four-year term of Parliament, subject to a binding referendum. The Bill is modelled on the ACT Party's draft Constitution (Enabling a 4-Year Term) Amendment Bill and retains a standard three-year term as default.
According to Goldsmith, membership in certain select committees would be calculated proportionally to non-Executive parliamentary party membership. A referendum, which could potentially coincide with the 2026 general election, will determine the fate of this proposal.
No decisions have been made on whether the Bill will proceed beyond the select committee stage. The Government reserves the right to amend or withdraw the legislation as needed. Public input during the select committee process is being sought, and future decisions will be based on New Zealanders' feedback.