Zealand’s party system did not arise until the late 1800s. Prior to this, members of Parliament stood as independent candidates, and while some MPs joined factions, these typically were formed around prominent individuals such as Julius Vogel, and did so after election not before. The Liberal Party, which was formed in 1891, was New Zealand’s first ‘modern’ political party. It was the country's sole political party until the formation of the more conservative Reform Party in 1909. The Labour Party formed in 1916 and by 1919 these three parties dominated New Zealand politics. Gradually, Liberal and Reform found themselves working together more often, mostly in opposition to the growing Labour Party. After Labour won office in 1935, the Liberals and Reform came together in 1936 to form the National Party. Labour and National currently exist as the two main parties of New Zealand politics. Over the years, a number of third parties or so-called minor parties developed, notably the Social Credit Party, the New Zealand Party, the Values Party, and the Alliance. However, the first past the post electoral system meant that regardless of how many votes a party gained nationwide, it could not win a seat without a plurality in a particular electorate. For example, the Social Credit Party won over 11% of the votes cast in the 1954 New Zealand general election but did not have a plurality in any electorate so won no seats. Similarly, in the 1984 New Zealand general election the New Zealand Party received over 12% of the votes cast but also won no seats. Under such conditions, minor parties mostly performed poorly in terms of making an impact in Parliament. In 1993, the Electoral Act 1993 was passed, introducing the mixed-member proportional electoral system for the 1996 election. Now, any party that won at least 5% of the party vote entered Parliament, as well as the previous electorate pathway. This made it much easier for smaller parties to enter Parliament, but more difficult to gain elected as a non-party independent. Since the change to MMP, Parliament has had at least five parties represented at any time.
Registration of parties
Political parties in New Zealand can be either registered or unregistered. Registered parties must have five-hundred paying members, each eligible to vote in general elections. If a party registers, it may submit a party list, enabling it to receive party votes in New Zealand's MMP electoral system. Unregistered parties can only nominate candidates for individual electorates. Registered political parties are also able to spend up to $1 million during the campaign for the party vote. All political parties are able to spend $20,000 per electorate seat.
Current parties
Parties represented in Parliament
The default order of this list corresponds to the number of MPs they currently have.
Registered parties outside Parliament
Parties listed in alphabetical order:
Unregistered parties
Because New Zealand does not require political parties to be registered, any person can announce a political party, though may not receive media coverage or go on to contest an election. It can also be difficult to determine when such parties have ceased operating or moved away from politics. The list below lists active, notable parties, such as those that intend to contest the next general election.
Historical parties
Parties that held seats
Parties that never held seats
Because New Zealand does not require political parties to be registered, any person can announce a political party, though may not receive media coverage or go on to contest an election. It can also be difficult to determine when such parties have ceased operating or moved away from politics. The list below is limited to notable parties understood to no longer be operating. Parties listed by date of founding:
