In this episode, Oliver Hartwich talks to Nick Clark about his new report reviewing New Zealand’s MMP electoral system after 30 years. They examine quirks that have emerged over recent elections — from delayed results that stall coalition talks to by-elections creating extra seats, overhangs expanding Parliament beyond 120 MPs, and outdated election-day restrictions despite most people voting early. 

Nick outlines practical reforms including filling by-election vacancies from party lists, removing overhang seats, lowering the party-vote threshold to 3.5–4%, keeping coat-tailing to minimise wasted votes, shifting to a 50/50 split between electorate and list seats, and increasing Parliament to 170 MPs to improve accountability and strengthen select-committee work. They conclude by reflecting on the need for cross-party consensus and public confidence in any future electoral reform.

Read our report "MMP After 30 Years: Time for Electoral Reform?" here: https://www.nzinitiative.org.nz/mmp-after-30-years-time-for-electoral-reform/

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