New Zealanders may get the chance to vote on whether to extend political terms from three to four years in the 2026 election.
This idea was proposed by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during a speech in Auckland. He mentioned that the coalition government, which includes National, NZ First, and ACT, supports the idea, as do other opposition parties.
Luxon criticised the current three-year term, arguing that it encourages short-term decision-making and makes it harder for governments to focus on long-term plans. He explained that longer terms could allow for more stability, giving governments more time to implement and maintain policies.
The proposal will likely be decided through a referendum, allowing New Zealanders to vote on the change during the next election. Coalition partner ACT has already put forward a bill on the issue, and it is set for a vote in Parliament soon. If passed, New Zealand could join most other countries that already have four or five-year political terms.
