Clayton Mitchell: This election - Referendum on Referenda

Clayton Mitchell New Zealand First MP. Photo/John Borren

New Zealand First is the only party taking direct democracy seriously. We are proud to be the only party calling for binding referenda on issues that affect New Zealanders.

This election we are calling for legally-binding referenda on: the 7 Maori-only seats in Parliament and reducing the number of MPs from 120 to 100.

We expect robust and open debate and we expect the people of New Zealand to exercise their democratic right to tell the government what they want.

We know that all New Zealanders will want to make their voices heard on the question of Maori seats, and it will be interesting to see what New Zealanders really think about it. In 1867, when they were introduced, they were only meant to be for a five-year period to establish Maori in Parliament. In 2014 22% of MPs identified as Maori. Are the Maori seats today just unnecessary tokenism?

In 1996 the question was asked about reducing the number of seats to 100, the response was an overwhelming 82% in favour. We hear you and will bring the question back to the floor.

But it must be for the people of New Zealand to decide.

If an issue affects our country on a deep cultural and/or constitutional level, it shouldn't be decided by 120 temporarily-elected individuals in Wellington, where backroom dealings and partisan hack-ery can take the country in an undemocratic direction.

We're no strangers to controversial law changes in New Zealand, with passionate Kiwis and strong opinions on both sides of the debate. If the case is strong enough and the opportunity to present arguments is fair and open, we don't need to be dictated to by 120 MPs and their own personal or political opinions.

A referendum is democratic and transparent, and New Zealanders will own the result.