We cannot underestimate what is at stake in this election. It is not only about who will govern, but about our country's future direction - and whether New Zealand continues to uphold the fundamental democratic principle of equal political rights for all.
MAKE DEMOCRACY AN ELECTION ISSUE
The election is on 7 November. Now is the time to find out where the parties and candidates stand — and to ask the questions that matter.
Take Action:
- Go to a candidates’ meeting. Ask candidates where they stand on equal citizenship and constitutional change. [See suggested questions]
- Contact your local candidates. Email or phone them and ask for clear answers.
- Share their answers. Tell your family, friends, and neighbours what your candidates have said.
- Use social media. Ask candidates publicly where they stand and encourage others to do the same.
- Call talkback radio. Put democracy and equality on the election agenda.
ELECTION 2026: WHAT IS AT STAKE?
At the heart of this election is a fundamental question:
Do we retain a democracy based on equal citizenship, where political power rests equally with all voters and Parliament is accountable to all citizens - or a system where your political rights are determined by your ethnicity? A country where separate iwi structures, unaccountable to the wider community, share political power with the elected government?
Democracy is government by the people through free and fair elections, with every citizen having an equal political voice. However, the Green Party and Te Pāti Māori, likely to be in power if Labour wins the election, support profound constitutional change based on Matike Mai Aotearoa, the report commissioned by the National Iwi Chairs Forum in 2010. Matike Mai proposes a constitutional framework in which iwi leaders and the elected government share political authority.
If adopted, this would fundamentally change our current system, shifting political power away from the principle of equal citizenship and giving tribal authorities a pivotal role in political decision-making, thereby intensifying ethnic division and eroding social cohesion.
Read more: Matike Mai Aotearoa — Challenging Parliamentary Democracy
Where do the Parties Stand?
Democracy Action has compiled the major parties’ published policies and stated positions on key democratic and constitutional issues. We have brought these together so you can see what each party says it supports and use this information to decide who to vote for and what questions to ask candidates.
· See where the parties stand →
· For a quick overview, see the Democracy Action Election 26 Scorecard.
Key election dates
25 October — Enrolment closes
26 October — Voting opens
7 November — Election Day — voting places close at 7 pm
STRATEGIC VOTING: AN OPTION FOR VOTERS
Under MMP, your electorate vote and party vote serve different purposes — you do not have to give both to the same party.
Te Pāti Māori is openly encouraging strategic voting, while some voters are considering it to help return the current coalition government.
One approach being discussed is voting for the National candidate in your electorate and using your party vote for ACT or NZ First, depending on your priorities.
I don't presume to tell you who to vote for; instead, I explain how strategic voting works and outline one approach currently being publicly discussed, so voters can consider using their two votes to support the outcome they want.
Read more: Vote 26 — Tactical Voting: Explaining the Strategy
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Standing up for Local Democracy
Democracy Action welcomes grassroots citizen groups prepared to speak up, ask questions, and hold public authorities to account.
A good example is the newly established Stop Tiaki Wai, which is campaigning for greater transparency and accountability around the governance and funding of Wellington’s water authority, Tiaki Wai.
Strong local democracy depends on citizens being informed, engaged and willing to have their voices heard.
We encourage democracy supporters to learn more about Stop Tiaki Wai and its petition →_
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A must-watch!
Professor Dame Elizabeth Rata’s 40-part documentary lecture series, The History of New Zealand Education (1870s–1970s), brings to life the remarkable story of how New Zealand built a world-leading public education system.
Packed with fascinating history and insights, the series shows how the ideas, people, and institutions behind our education system shaped the New Zealand we know today.
Watch the full series HERE.
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Recommended reading
A Giant Treaty Rort? Treaty Transparency - 1975 to 2026 by Mike Butler, published by the New Zealand Centre for Political Research.
This report argues that the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975, subsequent Waitangi Tribunal findings, and modern treaty principles have rewritten New Zealand history to institutionalise ongoing grievances and compensation.
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For more perspectives and analysis, see the articles and commentaries featured in the Further News, Views, and Commentaries section below.
Get Involved!
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👉 X: @DemocracyActNZ
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Kind regards,
Susan Short