1 Oct 2020

Four year term would need to go to referendum - Academic

From Midday Report, 12:13 pm on 1 October 2020

The Labour and National Party leaders both support extending the parliamentary term to four years - but an academic says the idea should be put to a public referendum.

The Beehive in Wellington during the Covid-19 alert level four lockdown.

The Beehive in Wellington during the Covid-19 alert level four lockdown. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

During the Newshub leaders' debate last night, neither Jacinda Ardern nor Judith Collins hesitated when asked whether governments should last four years.

Professor Jonathan Boston from Victoria University's School of Government co-authored a report last year which proposed extending the parliamentary term.

He spoke to Māni Dunlop about the benefits of a four year Parliamentary term.