New Zealand's direct democracy experience: an institution found lacking?

Abstract

New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy sitting in the middle of the South Pacific. Despite its isolation, it is a highly developed nation with a relatively progressive political stance including well-established mechanisms of direct democracy. This paper aims to explore New Zealand's experience with direct democracy, from the introduction of local referendums at end of the 19th century, to the 2009 citizens initiated referendum on parental corporal punishment. It will set out the legislative basis that provides for the holding of referendums and initiatives and then, in turn, address the three types of referendums provided for under New Zealand law: constitutional referendums, referendums initiated by the government and citizens initiated referendums.