New Zealand Initiative Proposes Increase in MPs Amid Debate

The New Zealand Initiative has proposed increasing the number of Members of Parliament (MPs) from 120 to 170, sparking discussion about the effectiveness and accountability of elected officials. This suggestion, presented by Senior Fellow Nick Clark, posits that current MPs are overwhelmed with responsibilities, which could lead to poor legislative outcomes.

Kerre Woodham, a prominent commentator, expressed skepticism about this proposal, arguing that the focus should be on improving the civic understanding among voters before expanding Parliament. Woodham emphasized that while the current parliamentary structure may seem small compared to other democracies, adding more MPs would not necessarily enhance governance.

According to Clark, the current workload of MPs is unsustainable, leading to insufficient scrutiny of legislation. He noted that many MPs serve on multiple select committees, which dilutes their ability to effectively manage their responsibilities. “We have difficulty with select committees in terms of the ability for them to properly scrutinize legislation,” Clark stated in an interview with broadcaster Ryan Bridge.

Woodham countered this argument by pointing out that many MPs do not fully engage with their roles. She highlighted instances of perceived laziness among some parliamentarians, suggesting that the quality of representation could improve if MPs were held accountable to their constituencies. She stated, “When we have MPs who are accountable to an electorate, there is a far greater sense of ownership.”

The discussion also touches on the disconnect between politicians and the public, an issue raised in a recent report by Dr. James Kierstead, another researcher at the New Zealand Initiative. His findings indicate that recent government policies, such as the controversial Three Waters legislation, have been enacted despite widespread public opposition. Kierstead emphasized the need for more direct input from citizens in the political process.

Despite these concerns, Woodham remains firm in her stance against increasing the number of MPs. She argued that greater civic engagement and understanding are prerequisites for any expansion of Parliament. “Increasing the pool of MPs by another 50? We’re going to have to do a lot better than that before I’d even remotely concede to discussing that one,” she concluded.

The debate over the size of Parliament continues to resonate within New Zealand’s political landscape, raising questions about representation, accountability, and the role of citizens in shaping their governance. As discussions evolve, it remains to be seen how the public will respond to the proposals and the implications for future parliamentary structure.