David
SHEARER
Labour Leader
06 November 2012 MEDIA STATEMENT
Labour to introduce MMP member’s bill

The Labour Party has begun drafting legislation to amend MMP, abolishing the so-called ‘coat-tails clause’ and reducing the party vote threshold to 4%.

“New Zealanders need to have confidence in the integrity of the electoral system, and these changes need to be made in time for the 2014 election,” says David Shearer.

“People are sick of deals being stitched up over cups of tea. That moment between John Key and John Banks in Epsom hurt Kiwis’ confidence in MMP and its time to restore that trust.

“New Zealanders voted to retain MMP and have it reviewed. The Electoral Commission consulted widely on these changes. It’s important that the Government keeps faith with the people and follows through on the democratic choices they have made.

“Labour’s bill will deal with the most important recommendations made by the Commission. It will abolish the one electorate seat threshold for the allocation of list seats and lower the party vote threshold from 5% to 4%. It will also require the Electoral Commission to conduct a review after three general elections.

“This should not be a party-political issue. I will be writing to the Prime Minister offering to work with the Government to see these changes put in place.

“But I am not prepared to sit back and wait and see if National will act on the Electoral Commission’s recommendations. That’s why Labour will take the lead and put them in front of Parliament in the hope they can be implemented in time for the next election.

“We are asking other political parties to help us progress the Electoral Commission’s recommendations. We would also be more than happy for National to pick up our member’s bill and take it forward as Government legislation,” says David Shearer.

© Scoop Media

Metservice: Where Will Snow Fall And What To Look Out For

The deep Antarctic air that is expected to sweep across the country this week is bringing very significant weather to many provinces.Here's the official MetService view of the key weather concerns for the country.

MetService Media and Communications Meteorologist Dan Corbett commented,"While snow will be a major issue for those in the South Island, wind and hail will affect many North Island districts."

Snow is expected to fall to sea level, or very near it, from Southland to South Canterbury from late Wednesday into Thursday and Friday. The snow level is expected to rise to 200m from about Christchurch northwards... More>>