Some parties want to change how Parliament and the constitution work.
New Zealand has one of the shortest parliamentary terms in the world. Previous referendums on a four-year term have failed.
The four-year term bill is largely ACT's proposal; Seymour argues a longer term would produce more careful lawmaking. Source
UnconfirmedThe Greens voted for the four-year term bill at first reading in 2025, but no clear statement of support for the change itself was found. Source
Labour voted for the bill at first reading, and Hipkins has previously said a four-year term would allow more careful lawmaking. Source
Luxon has criticised the three-year term as short-termist and National backed the bill to select committee, but in 2026 shelved it and the planned referendum. Source
NZ First has said it supports a four-year term if the public backs it, and voted for the bill at first reading. Source
Te Pāti Māori was the only party to vote against the four-year term bill at its 2025 first reading. Source
UnconfirmedNo current position found. The party backed a four-year term in its 2017 platform, but its current democracy policies do not mention term length. Source
The King is New Zealand's head of state, represented by the Governor-General. Becoming a republic would require major constitutional change.
UnconfirmedSeymour has said now is not the time for a republic debate, calling it a distraction; no formal ACT position was found. Source
UnconfirmedThe Greens back constitutional transformation along the lines of Matike Mai, though their policy does not explicitly mention a republic. Source
Hipkins has described himself as a republican and expects a republic eventually, but says it is not a priority and Labour has no plan to pursue it. Source
UnconfirmedNo National policy on a republic was found; Luxon has said it is not an issue raised with him, and the party has not proposed change. Source
Winston Peters has consistently defended the monarchy and argued against a republic, questioning cost and a politician as head of state. Source
Te Pāti Māori launched a petition calling for the British royal family to be removed as head of state, as part of wider constitutional change. Source
UnconfirmedNo public position found. Opportunity's current democracy policies focus on integrity reforms and citizens' assemblies, not the head of state. Source