In 2020, under Jacinda Ardern, the NZ Labour Party went from minority government to an outright majority. Yet three years later, they were swept from power. In their place came a coalition government of three parties who often don't see eye to eye, and which has made some controversial decisions. Are the pundits right when they say the government could be out after just one term? What might a governing coalition look like, and why has majority government in New Zealand become such a rare commodity?

Ahead of the 7 November election, this session looks 'across the ditch' at NZ politics: how it got to where it is today, the mixed member proportional (MMP) voting system and its effect on the current electoral map, and what's changing for this election. Everything you need to know to better understand the NZ election, in a relaxed learning environment. No prior knowledge needed.

DELIVERY MODE

Face to face

COURSE OUTLINE

• How NZ politics got to where it is today
• The parties and key issues
• The MMP voting system
• Māori seats and the electoral map
• What's changing for this election
• Possible coalitions and implications for Australia

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Identify the parties contesting the 2026 NZ election, what they stand for, and the key issues at stake.
• Explain how NZ's MMP voting system and dedicated Māori seats work, and how they differ from Australia's system.
• Consider why coalitions look set to be NZ's future, what a new government may look like, and the implications for Australia.