Luxon promises MMP referendum if re-elected

Thursday 6 August 2026 · 4 outlets · 11 reports · updated Thu 6 Aug, 10:07pm

In this story Christopher Luxon, National Party, Winston Peters, ACT Party, David Seymour, NZ First

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has pledged to hold a referendum on the MMP voting system if he is returned to power. While Luxon stands by the commitment, some National MPs have stated it is not official party policy. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters described the announcement as an absolute surprise.

How they headlined it

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1. NZ HeraldThu 6 Aug, 11:12am

   PM Christopher Luxon says he’d hold referendum on MMP if re-elected (opens in new tab)

   • Christopher Luxon wants a referendum on MMP – How does the current system work? (opens in new tab) Thu 6 Aug, 2:56pm
   • Christopher Luxon stands by MMP referendum next term, Chris Bishop calls earlier comments ‘musings’ (opens in new tab) Thu 6 Aug, 9:54pm
2. StuffThu 6 Aug, 12:01pm

   Christopher Luxon says he’ll hold referendum on MMP if re-elected (opens in new tab)

   • MMP: How an academic dream from West Germany changed New Zealand forever (opens in new tab) Thu 6 Aug, 3:06pm
   • The many positions of National MPs after Luxon’s MMP commitment (opens in new tab) Thu 6 Aug, 6:03pm
   • Christopher Luxon doubles down on MMP referendum while Chris Bishop says it’s not party policy (opens in new tab) Thu 6 Aug, 10:07pm
3. NewsroomThu 6 Aug, 12:17pm

   Luxon says he will call referendum on MMP if returned to power (opens in new tab)

4. 1NewsThu 6 Aug, 12:36pm

   'Absolute surprise': Peters on Luxon's call for MMP referendum (opens in new tab)

   • Peters says Luxon's call for MMP referendum 'inexplicable' (opens in new tab) Thu 6 Aug, 12:36pm
   • Dunne believes PM's frustration with NZ First, ACT behind MMP call (opens in new tab) Thu 6 Aug, 5:29pm