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'Governments need to prioritise': Paul Goldsmith explains why four year terms were put on hold

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 19 Feb 2026, 3:23pm
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says the coalition agreements secured getting legislation to select committee only. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says the coalition agreements secured getting legislation to select committee only. Photo / Mark Mitchell

'Governments need to prioritise': Paul Goldsmith explains why four year terms were put on hold

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 19 Feb 2026, 3:23pm

The Government has ditched the idea of a referendum on a four year electoral term this election.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says a bill has been taken to select committee as part of coalition agreements. 

But he says to have a referendum would require passing the bill through the rest of the stages in enough time before the election. 

Goldsmith says the Government can't do everything at once, and taking care of more pressing issues, like crime, is more important at this stage.

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