Lianne Dalziel

Any changes to the MMP electoral system should be decided by New Zealanders in a binding referendum, says Labour Justice spokesperson Lianne Dalziel.

Lianne Dalziel says Labour wants MMP to be retained in next year's referendum as it is the fairest electoral system, but supports the proposed post-referendum review of MMP being included in the legislation.

"Labour has no doubt that MMP has succeeded in producing a more diverse Parliament, but it is accepted that voters have issues with various aspects of the system," Lianne Dalziel said.

"That is why a review following the referendum is a good approach. I believe New Zealanders will feel more comfortable about voting in the referendum to retain MMP if they know that aspects of the system will be reviewed regardless of the outcome of the general election.

"Certain elements of the system have been contentious, particularly accusations of the tail wagging the dog, and there may need to be fine-tuning around thresholds, including 'coat-tail' MPs who come in when their party wins one seat, but doesn't win 5 percent of the vote."

Lianne Dalziel said Labour also welcomed the Government's announcement on the process to address New Zealand's electoral finance laws, and would engage constructively in the process. "National is acknowledging for the first time the need to be transparent about the activities of parallel campaigners.

"Labour's Electoral Finance Act was a direct response to the subterfuge and political chicanery that characterised parallel campaigning in the 2005 election.

"Exclusive Brethren members were behind a secret parallel campaign on a scale never before seen in New Zealand," she said.

"National's proposals would identify parallel campaigners, but do not limit how much they can spend, or require them to say how much they have spent, or how closely they can work with political parties to essentially tilt the financial playing field in their favour. This still risks creating the sort of free-for-all that occurs in the United States where campaign spending is out of control. New Zealand has campaign spending limits and we must keep it that way.

"This is where Labour will focus its attention at select committee," Lianne Dalziel said.