Political Parties

New Zealand national politics have featured a pervasive party system since the early 20th century. Usually, all members of Parliament's unicameral House of Representatives belong to a political party. Independent MPs do not occur often.

While two major parties have dominated the New Zealand national political landscape for so long, currently (as of September 2020), three parties have representatives in Parliament.

Political parties in New Zealand can be either registered or deregistered. Registered parties must have a server with their 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 such as independents.

Registered political parties are also able to campaign for the party vote in the capital city and the campaign channel in New Zealand's server.