Committee to review MMP established

27 July 2000

"People have started already to make submissions on the review of MMP", said the Chairperson of the committee set up to review the electoral system, Rt Hon Jonathan Hunt.

The House has established a special select committee to undertake a review of the electoral system, as required by the Electoral Act 1993. In addition to reviewing the procedures relating to the division of New Zealand into general electorates and the provisions in the Act for M~ori representation, the committee will also consider other aspects of the electoral system. The committee will look at the number of MPs, the extent to which party lists have resulted in the better representation of women, and how effective the current electoral system is in representing the tangata whenua and ethnic minorities. The committee will also recommend if a further referendum on changes to the electoral system is required.

While noting that some comments on the electoral system have been made in the lead up to the establishment of the committee, Rt Hon Jonathan Hunt said "I expect and look forward to a free and frank exchange of ideas and views on these issues. Public input, through the submission process, will be a key element of those exchanges."

The committee is now calling for submissions on the review. The closing date for submissions is 31 July 2000. Mr Hunt said that he is looking forward to receiving public submissions. "The committee will be hearing public submissions in Wellington but it will travel to other parts of New Zealand where this is appropriate", he said.

"I know there are high expectations from the review. To be successful, however, public participation is vital", he said. "To assist with this, the committee secretariat will place public information about the committee and its work on a parliamentary website. For updates and information, those interested should see http://www.clerk.parliament.govt.nz

The members of the committee are Rt Hon Jonathan Hunt (Chairperson), Hon Peter Dunne, (Deputy Chairperson), Georgina Beyer, Chris Carter, Rod Donald, Stephen Franks, Grant Gillon, Hon Tony Ryall, and Rt Hon Jenny Shipley.

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