Govt Moves to Introduce Legislation for Four-Year Parliamentary Term

In line with the National-Act coalition agreement, the proposed bill is based on the ACT Party’s draft Constitution (Enabling a 4-Year Term) Amendment Bill.

The Government has announced plans to introduce legislation that could enable a four-year term for Parliament, subject to a binding referendum, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has confirmed.

In line with the National-Act coalition agreement, the proposed bill is based on the ACT Party's draft Constitution (Enabling a 4-Year Term) Amendment Bill. Under the proposal, the standard term of Parliament will remain at three years, but provisions will be made to extend the maximum term to four years if approved by the public.

A key feature of the bill is that select committee membership will be determined in proportion to the non-Executive parliamentary party representation in the House. This measure aims to ensure fair and balanced oversight in the extended parliamentary term.

Given the constitutional importance of such a change, the proposal will be subject to public approval through a binding referendum. The Government has not yet confirmed whether the bill will proceed beyond the select committee stage, but it has reaffirmed its commitment to allowing public input through the parliamentary process.

"Both the National-Act and National-New Zealand First coalition agreements support introducing the bill to select committee," Minister Goldsmith stated. "However, further decisions on its progression will depend on the outcome of the select committee process."

While no final decision has been made regarding the timing of the referendum, one possibility is holding it alongside the next General Election in 2026. The Government will determine whether the bill proceeds in its current form or undergoes amendments following public submissions and committee recommendations.

"We encourage all New Zealanders to participate in the select committee process and share their views on this important constitutional matter," Goldsmith concluded.