Active Voices - for the first-time voter
- ARTICLES
About Active Voices
Active Voices will help you consider why we need to elect people to represent us in Parliament and what the big issues are so you know how to use your vote as a first-time voter. Read more »
So why are we having an election?
Good question. Voting is an important way of having your say in a democracy. At least every three years there's a general election. Read more »
Why 2 votes?
You get two votes because New Zealand voters chose a new voting system called Mixed Member Proportional representation (MMP) in a referendum in 1993. Read more »
But how do I know which party to vote for?
It's your decision, but we recommend looking at all the options. People with similar views who want to be in government group together to form political parties. Read more »
How do the media help you decide how to vote?
The media has a very important role in a democracy. It's up to journalists (as well as voters) to find out what different parties stand for and to inform citizens about their policies and all the big issues. Read more »
So what happens in an election?
Basically, a general election is a chance to choose who runs the country. It's important to vote, because the laws passed by Parliament and the decisions made by the Government affect you. Read more »
So who gets to become the government?
That's a tricky question. If a party wins more than half the seats in Parliament, it can form a majority government by itself. Read more »
So how does government work?
A big issue in politics is the role of government - should the government have a lot to do with our lives, or should people be more free to do what they like? Read more »
You can still have a say if you're not 18!
Just because you may be under 18 and can't vote yet doesn't mean you can't have your say. There are lots of other ways of letting community leaders and policy makers know what you think about the big issues. Read more »
Teacher notes and resource credits
Active Voices is a resource for Year 7-10 students who are learning about democracy and the electoral process. Read more »
