The Children's Commissioner Andrew Becroft believes the voting age in New Zealand could be lowered to 16 - an idea that's had success elsewhere. 

Scotland made the change permanent after 75 percent of 16- and 17-year-olds turned out to vote in the Independence Referendum two years ago. 

Katie Ghose, chief executive of the UK Electoral Reform Society, pointed out to Rachel Smalley this morning that in Scotland the 16-17 age group voted in larger numbers than 18-24-year-olds.

"They participated with great enthusiasm," Ghose said. "They took the issues really seriously and it was just a runaway success."

"And if you vote early, you get the voting habit for life, and you're more likely to carry on voting." 

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