New Zealand House of Representatives | |
---|---|
52nd Parliament | |
Type | |
Type |
Sole house of the New Zealand Parliament
|
Leadership | |
Structure | |
Seats | 120 |
Political groups
|
Government (55)
Official Opposition (56)
Crossbench (1)
|
Elections | |
Closed list Mixed-member proportional representation | |
Last election
|
23 September 2017 |
Next election
|
On or before 21 November 2020 |
Meeting place | |
Parliament House, Wellington | |
Website | |
www.parliament.nz |
Government (55)
Official Opposition (56)
Crossbench (1)
The New Zealand House of Representatives is a component of the New Zealand Parliament, along with the Sovereign (represented by the Governor-General). The House passes all laws, provides ministers to form a Cabinet, and supervises the work of the Government. It is also responsible for adopting the state's budgets and approving the state's accounts.
The House of Representatives is a democratically elected body whose members are known as members of Parliament (MPs). There are usually 120 members, though this number can be higher if there is an overhang. MPs are elected usually every three years in a mixed system of district voting and party list voting. A government is formed from the party or coalition with the majority of MPs. If no majority is possible then a minority government can be formed with a confidence and supply arrangement. If a government is unable to maintain the confidence of the House then an early general election can be called.