Referendums Framework Bill
This bill creates a permanent set of rules for running government referendums (public votes on a specific question) at the same time as a general election. It covers how voting papers work, how votes are counted, how advertising around a referendum is regulated and paid for, and what happens if someone wants to challenge the result. The rules would only apply to the next two general elections and the whole law automatically expires on 31 October 2031.
What this affects
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The bill sets fines and possible prison time for people who break the rules around referendum advertising or conduct
A person who is guilty of a corrupt practice is liable on conviction to either or both of the following: (a) a term of imprisonment not exceeding 2 years: (b) a fine not exceeding $100,000.
A person who is guilty of an illegal practice is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $40,000.
If a group of 200 or more electors is dissatisfied with the result of the referendum… they may petition the High Court for an inquiry into the conduct of the referendum.
Progress through Parliament
Have your say
This bill is open for public submissions to the Justice Committee. Anyone can tell the committee what they think, and you don’t need to be an expert. Submissions close 16 April 2025.
Bill text sourced from legislation.govt.nz (Parliamentary Counsel Office). Arapono’s summary and breakdown are drafted with AI grounded in that official text and reviewed by an Arapono editor for accuracy and neutrality before publishing. Arapono is non-partisan and takes no position on this bill.