There is a fascinating range of issues out there for us all to talk about, and form opinions on, in New Zealand. 

The purpose of this website is to let me contribute some of my thoughts, and hopefully get some of yours in return. I must say the new formats are a delight compared with those available sixteen years ago when I first entered the public debating space with my MMP campaign.

It is the forthcoming referendum on MMP which has prompted me to get on my soapbox again, (although there will be other issues on the agenda later).

I’m working with Graeme Hunt, respected Auckland author, journalist and media commentator to seek greater public interest in, and engagement with this issue. We are focussed on the REFERENDUM PROCESS, rather than its outcome, and if you click on the MMP tab above you will find a brief summary of the government’s present proposal, and our suggestions for improvements. We hope voters will form views, and find ways to influence Parliament to listen to them, rather than let bureaucrats, politicians and academics make all the decisions. Healthy public dialogue will lead to a fair and efficient process, and a credible and sensible answer.

So, when you are in a relaxed frame of mind – maybe adjacent to the barbecue, or the workplace watercooler – I invite you to think about and discuss our suggestions. This is a really important issue for all New Zealanders, and we all need to play our part.

Finally, it is important to understand that this referendum process is NOT, primarily, about MMP versus First Past the Post. New Zealanders will have the opportunity to choose their preferred system from a number of options, some of which retain degrees of proportionality. So it should be interesting, and I hope we can make it lively.

Let’s hear from you.

Survey

Would you prefer to have fewer MPs in parliament?

  • Yes
  • No
  • Maybe

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