Peter Carr
The mad period has begun. Those who attempt to exert their influence over our lives are now starting to scramble madly to adjust, alter, deviate or just cancel a number of major projects less their effect affects the outcome of what is to come. And, no doubt, trumpet new world-shattering theories to smooth the way ahead for the Big Event.
Peter Carr
So, what is the event to which I refer? It is, no less, the upcoming national election, the date for which will, any minute now, be formally announced for some time in October or November. The media will then rush into a lolly scramble of opinions, projections, (mainly) left-leaning criticism and prognostications as to the possible – and even probable – outcome.
We are to be showered for about nine months with meaningless chatter, thinly disguised opinions, attention seeking political wannabees and senseless responses from all quarters.
So, the question to be asked is – why do we have to suffer this mindless babble every three years? Why do we persist in electing a government – of any colour – which cannot govern effectively over such a short period? Simply put, a triennium permits only a single year for an elected government to be provide effective governance. Year One – be seen (if not even doing it) to provide solutions to sometimes wild and impossible pre-election lolly-scrambling promises. Year Two – actually do the stuff for which national politicians are elected in the first place. Year Three – prostrate their bodies before the populace in undoing some of their plans to provide vote-grabbing sweeteners for the spring hustings.
We share three-year national government processes with Australia, Mexico, Nauru and the Philippines. So why are the (far) greater majority of nations enmeshed in longer terms? And do they enjoy more balanced democratic processes and more meaningful governance as a result?
Well, all is not lost. During the first quarter of 2025 a bill was introduced to the New Zealand House of Representatives proposing a four-year term. This went through hearings of the Justice Committee, receiving 515 submissions and now sits awaiting the late summer re-awakening of our parliamentary heroes to go through a Second Reading. It has a firm recommendation that a four-year term be put through a referendum process (possibly in 2029) which could move us to a four-term government in 2032.
ACT are tinkering (surprise) with the make-up of select committee balances but generally there is multi-party support for the longer term. Associated – or not necessarily linked with this – is a suggestion that local bodies align also with a four-year existence although only 17 (out of about 72) showed any interest.
So the key question is – do we – trust our current breed of national politicians? And further – should we at the same time, take a hard look at MMP and review its being also? Watch this space.
Elections are held every three years.
