Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. Photo: RNZThe government has scrapped plans for a referendum on a four-year Parliamentary term. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says the coalition agreements secured getting legislation to select committee and no further. "We won't be progressing with a referendum on a four-year term at this election," he said. "It's something that a future government might do, but our priority is progressing legislation that will help fix the basics in law and order."

Source: Otago Daily Times February 18, 2026 12:38 UTC