Political glossary
The jargon, in plain language. Every term you’ll bump into around Parliament and elections — explained simply.
A bill that has passed all its stages and received Royal assent — it is now law.
An MP who isn’t a minister — representing constituents, sitting on committees, debating and voting.
A proposed law. It must pass through several stages and votes before it can become law.
How a bill becomes lawA vote held to fill a single electorate seat that becomes vacant between general elections.
The senior ministers who make the government’s collective decisions, which all ministers must publicly support.
An arrangement where two or more parties combine to command a majority (at least 62 of 123 seats) and form a government.
An agreement under which a party agrees to support the government on key votes (confidence) and the Budget (supply).
A formal vote in the House. Most are “party votes” cast as a bloc; some are “personal votes” recorded individually.
A geographic area that elects one local MP. There are 65 general and 7 Māori electorates.
An MP who won the most votes in a local electorate.
Your second vote — it chooses the single MP who represents your local area (your electorate).
Electorate vs listThe King’s representative in New Zealand. Gives Royal assent and formally appoints the government.
The official written record of everything said in Parliament’s debates.
An MP who enters Parliament from their party’s ranked list, topping the party up to its proportional share of seats.
Seats elected by voters who choose to be on the Māori roll. The number depends on Māori-roll enrolment.
An MP given responsibility for a portfolio (e.g. Health, Education) and the running of that area of government.
New Zealand’s voting system. A party’s share of seats in Parliament roughly matches its share of the nationwide party vote.
Learn about MMPThe 1982 law that lets anyone request official information from government agencies, who must respond within 20 working days.
The parties not in government. They scrutinise and challenge the government and offer alternatives.
When a party wins more electorate seats than its party vote entitles it to. Parliament temporarily grows beyond 120 seats.
The more important of your two votes — it decides how many seats each party gets in Parliament.
Your two votesThe leader of the government — the MP who can command the confidence of the House.
A debate and vote on a bill. Bills are debated three times — the first, second and third readings.
The Governor-General’s signing of a bill, which turns it into an Act of Parliament.
The formula used to allocate seats proportionally among parties that clear the threshold.
A small cross-party group of MPs that examines bills in detail and hears public submissions.
The MP, elected by Parliament, who presides over debates impartially and keeps order in the House.
Your written (and optionally spoken) input to a select committee on a bill. Anyone can make one.
To win list seats, a party must get at least 5% of the party vote, or win at least one electorate.
An MP who manages their party’s voting and attendance in the House.
Missing a term you’d like defined? Let us know.