The Government has abandoned its plans for a referendum on a four-year election term, 1News can reveal.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has previously criticised the current three-year term, saying it pushes governments into short-term decision-making.
A Bill originally taken to Cabinet by ACT leader by David Seymour proposed giving governments the option of either a three-year term or a four-year term.
A sum of $25 million was allocated for the holding of a referendum in last year's Budget, short of the original $33 million officials had budgeted for.
The legislation was passed at first reading before going to select committee, however the justice select committee was highly critical of the proposals. It said: "A variable term would risk creating uncertainty for the public, local government, businesses, and communities regarding the frequency of changes to government policy."
The next stage would have been to take it to second reading, but Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith won't be doing that this term. He isn't ruling it out for future elections, should the coalition be back in power.
"We won't be progressing with the actual referendum at this election. That requires the bill to be passed and for the preparation of a referendum," he said.
"It's something that a future government might do, but it's just not a priority for us in the justice area at the moment."
Bill to seek public support for the extended term of government reached a second reading before being withdrawn. (Source: 1News)
The National-Act and National-New Zealand First coalition agreements, signed in 2023, included supporting the Bill to select committee stage.
The Government then agreed to introduce legislation that would allow the parliamentary term to be extended to four years – subject to a referendum – in February last year.
Otago University professor and legal expert Andrew Geddis said at the time: "The argument for longer terms is that it gives the government more time to create policy and bed policy in, and then see if it's working before going back to the voters to be judged.
"The counterargument is that in New Zealand, elections are pretty much the only way we have for keep out government accountable. So, to extend the length of parliamentary term by a year gives governments an extra year before they have to come to the people to be judged."
Geddis noted in February 2025 the Government had said it would only take the Bill as far as select committee, with no guarantee beyond that.
"That maybe indicates there's some division within the coalition parties as to what exactly this should look like."
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