# MMP Explainer: How New Zealand's Electoral System Works

> New Zealand's mixed member proportional system explains how voters choose both local reps and party seats in Parliament.
- Title: MMP Explainer: How New Zealand's Electoral System Works · RNZ
- Summary: New Zealand's mixed member proportional system explains how voters choose both local reps and party seats in Parliament. New Zealand uses MMP to elect 120…
- Keywords: mmp, new zealand, parliament, electorate seats, list seats, party votes, overhang, coalition government, referendum, electoral system, politics, news
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/1737878/explainer-what-you-need-to-know-about-how-mmp-works
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-05T01:04:06+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mmp, new zealand, parliament, electorate seats, list seats, party votes, overhang, coalition government, referendum, electoral system, politics, news
## What is MMP?
MMP stands for Mixed Member Proportional representation, the electoral system used in New Zealand.
## How MMP was adopted
A majority of new zealanders voted for it twice: first in a non-binding referendum in 1992 and again in a binding referendum at the election the following year.
## Voting process
New zealanders have two votes: one for a local representative and one for a political party.
## Seat allocation
There are 120 seats: 72 electorate seats won by candidates in specific areas and 48 list seats allocated based on party vote proportions.
## Overhang rule
If a party wins more electorates than its share of party votes allows, extra seats can be added to parliament to ensure proportional representation.
## Party vote thresholds
A party must win at least 5 percent of votes or an electorate seat to win a seat in parliament.
## Government formation
The party with more than 50 percent of seats becomes government; otherwise, parties negotiate to form a coalition or confidence and supply agreement.
## MMP referendum debate
National leader Christopher Luxon has proposed another referendum on MMP after the 7 november election to test public support for the system.
## MMP history
Mmp was first adopted in 1996 after a 1992 non-binding referendum and a 1993 binding referendum confirmed public support for the change.
## MMP changes
The national-led coalition rejected several proposed changes to mmp in 2024, including restrictions on early and same-day voter enrolment.
## Key takeaway

New Zealand uses MMP to elect 120 parliamentary seats with 72 electorate and 48 list seats, ensuring party vote proportions match seat distribution.