The Government agrees to introduce legislation allowing a four-year parliamentary term, subject to a binding referendum.
Given the constitutional significance, the change depends on the referendum’s outcome.
The National-Act and National-New Zealand First coalition agreements commit to supporting the Bill through the select committee stage.
However, no decision has been made on whether it will progress further.
“The Bill follows the ACT Party’s draft Constitution (Enabling a 4-Year Term) Amendment Bill, as outlined in the National-Act coalition agreement,” says Minister for Justice Paul Goldsmith.
“This keeps the standard parliamentary term at three years but allows an extension to four years.”
“A referendum could be held alongside the 2026 General Election, but the final timing depends on the select committee process,” Goldsmith says.
