1999 New Zealand MP reduction referendum


A referendum on reducing the number of MPs from 120 to 99 was a citizens-initiated referendum held in New Zealand on 27 November 1999, the same date as the general election. The proposal was supported by 81.5% of voters, with a turnout of 82.8%. This referendum was non-binding and the number of MPs in parliament was not changed.

Results

Implementation

Since the referendum was non-binding, there was no immediate proposed implementation of a bill to reduce the number of MPs in parliament. However, on 23 February 2006, the Electoral Amendment Bill was introduced, which proposed that the number of MPs be reduced to 100, seeking to honour the 1999 referendum. The bill passed its first reading but failed in its second.