New Zealand uses the mixed member proportional (MMP) electoral system for its elections. Voters get two votes, a party vote that determines the percentage of seats each party wins based on its share of the vote. The electorate vote determines the candidate elected to represent each district. The 2008 election results saw National win 48.36% of the party vote and 45 seats, while Green won 6.43% and 13 seats. New Zealand First and ACT both won around 4% but did not meet the 5% threshold to win seats, though ACT's Rodney Hide won an electorate seat. John Key of National was able to form a coalition government with other parties that gave them over 50% of the seats.

1. New Zealand Election 2008

2. New Zealand has MMP as its Electoral System
Mixed Member Proportional

3. You get two votes

4. The Party Vote
The vote decides the share of seats which each
of the parties listed below will have in
Parliament. Vote by putting a tick in the circle
immediately after the party you choose.

5. The Electorate Vote
This vote decides the candidate who will
be elected a Member of Parliament for the
_________ ELECTORATE. Vote by putting a
tick in the circle immediately before the
candidate you choose.

6. Seats are proportional to the votes.

7. Results of 2008 Election (National & Green)
48.36%
45.45%
6.43% 6.56%
National Votes National Seats Green Votes Green Seats

8. A party has to get over 5% of the vote.

9. A party has to get over 5% of the vote.
Unless you win an electorate seat.

10. Results of 2008 Election (NZ First & ACT)
4.21% 4.09%
3.72%
0%
New Zealand New Zealand ACT Votes ACT Seats
First Votes First Seats

11. Rodney Hide won Epsom for ACT.

12. New Zealand also has Maori seats.

13. 2008

14. The Parties…

15. On the Left…

18. On the Right…

21. …and a Maori Party.

22. …and a Maori Party.

23. The Votes

24. Percentage of the Vote, 2008

25. Number of seats in parliament out of 122

26. Votes around the country

27. North Island

29. South Island

31. The Maori Seats

33. Under MMP you will need a coalition government.

34. Making a government
64
52
5
National Led Labour Led Maori

36. …formed a coalition government
because they have enough seats.

37. New Zealand’s new Prime Minister
John Key