NZSL Videos
Want to learn more about getting involved with New Zealand's Parliament, but not sure where to start? Check out our range of NZSL video resources.
Watch selected video:
How elections work
Why do we have elections and how do they work? Daniel and Erica explain in our latest NZSL video! 'How elections work' is the third in a series of NZSL videos explaining the ins and outs of Parliament created for NZ Parliament in partnership with Deaf Aotearoa.
- Date
- 10 May 2022
- Duration
- 5:22
ERICA:Kia ora, my name is Erica.
DANIEL: Kia ora, my name is Daniel.
ERICA:This is New Zealand's Parliament. Welcome! Why do we have elections, and how do they work? We have elections because our system of government is a representative democracy. A representative democracy means that we vote for the people we want to represent us in Parliament. In New Zealand, we hold a general election every three years. A general election is when voters elect members of Parliament, known as MPs, to pass laws and govern the country.
DANIEL: New Zealand uses the Mixed Member Proportional voting system also known as MMP. In an MMP election, each voter has two votes to cast a party vote and an electorate vote. Each person who votes has had their say in who should be in government.
ERICA: What does Mixed Member Proportional really mean? Because MMP is a proportional system, the more party votes means more seats for that party. Under MMP, 120 MPs are elected to Parliament. 72 MPs come from electorates all over New Zealand, and 48 MPs come from political party lists. The political party or group of parties with the most seats become the government.
DANIEL: Each person who votes has two votes. A party vote and an electorate vote. The party vote is for the political party you would like to see in Government. Your electorate vote decides who your local member of Parliament will be. MPs who win in their electorate have a seat. Next, the number of seats a party has won are worked out. They fill the remaining seats according to their party list. For example, this party's members have won 15 electorate seats. The party vote works out to 20 seats total, which means they can include the top 5 from the party list.
ERICA: Who is allowed to vote? If you are 18 years old or older, a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, and you have lived in New Zealand continuously for 12 months or more, you are eligible to vote in general and local elections, and referendums. Do you have to vote? No, but it does give you a voice to help decide who is in government.
DANIEL: To form a government, 61 seats are needed. This can be from one party, or more parties can work together. Usually one party does not have enough votes to form a government by itself. Under MMP, a government can be formed by two or more parties working together. The other parties not involved in these agreements become the opposition. The laws created here at Parliament affect everyone in New Zealand. We encourage you to learn more, get involved, and speak up.
BOTH: Mā te wā.
How elections work
Why do we have elections and how do they work?
How laws are made
What is a bill and what are the different stages it passes through before becoming law?
Parliament 101: How Parliament Works
Learn how you can share your opinions, perspectives, and needs with our lawmakers!
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What does the Speaker do? Find out the sign for "Order!" in New Zealand Sign Language.
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What does the sign for "Parliament" look like in New Zealand Sign Language?
Political parties in NZSL
Find out the signs for the political parties of the 52nd Parliament in New Zealand Sign Language.
The Speaker in NZSL
Find out what the sign for the "Speaker" is in New Zealand Sign Language.
Making Submissions: What Happens Next?
Once you've made a written submission to a select committee, what happens next? Here's our quick guide on what to expect.
Video Conferencing to Select Committees: Zoom Tutorial
If you're planning to speak to one of Parliament's select committees, you can now do so through video conferencing using a tool called Zoom. This video shows you how to get set up.
Visiting a Select Committee
Making an oral submission to a Select Committee at Parliament doesn't need to be an intimidating experience, even if it's your first time.
Speaking with a Select Committee (NZSL Guide)
If you're coming to Parliament to speak with a select committee for the first time, you might be wondering how it all works. Here's a quick guide in New Zealand Sign Language about what to expect on the day.
NZSL Tours of Parliament
Did you know you can take a tour of the New Zealand Parliament with info in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)?
How a Bill becomes Law
New Zealand Sign Language explanation of the process bills go through before they get signed into law.
Parliament 101 (New Zealand Sign Language version)
This video provides a high level oversight of the role that Parliament plays in New Zealand democracy.