Vision

New Zealand's electoral framework and processes are widely used, understood, trusted and valued.

Organisational Objectives for 2005 /06

• Consolidate our position as the recognised authority for education on electoral matters and information about the electoral system. To be the first port of call for all those seeking information and data about the workings of MMP, the wider  electoral context and related debates and practices overseas
• During the election period, competently and professionally deliver election generated obligations and aim for delivery with the other electoral agencies that is seamless to the public. Maximise opportunities to further the strategic goals through use of the election context
• Ensure that we have the capacity amongst our staff to deal flexibly with the full range of work that we cover.  Assess needs and organise  staff training and development as required.

Output 1: Application of the provisions of the Electoral Act 1993 relating to political parties

A Register of Political Parties (including party logos) is kept and made available for public inspection. Involved in this process is receiving and considering applications to register or to change registration details and responding to inquiries about the register and process of registration.  Statutory requirements relating to political parties also cover disclosure of election expenses and donations

Objectives for 2005/06

I.     Continue to respond to requests and to process applications in a professional manner that adheres to the Guiding Principles of Electoral Administration (see below).

Output 2: Promotion of public awareness of electoral matters

Education on electoral matters serves a broad purpose of maintaining public awareness of, and interest in, New Zealand's democratic processes and of delivering resources and programmes that encourage and enable civic, particularly electoral, participation. The range of activities and materials utilised recognises the range of audiences that include parties, journalists, the education sector and politicians as well as voters and recognises the diversity of the electorate and their different levels of interest and prior understanding.  One part of education is to promote and facilitate study, discussion, education and communication on New Zealand electoral matters by academics, journalists and other commentators.

Objectives for 2005/06

I.     Plan and implement research based projects aimed at increasing Maori electoral participation

II.    Plan and implement research based projects aimed at increasing electoral participation amongst young people

III.   Plan and implement research based projects aimed at increasing electoral participation amongst Pacific peoples

IV.   Plan and implement research based projects utilising theories on electoral participation, in particular efficacy

V.    Provide easily accessible public information on the 2005 election after the election

VI.   Maximise the value of the election in meeting our strategic goals and vision

VII.  Consolidate the website as the primary source of information

VIII. Benchmark our education work internationally and share with others our resources, research, expertise and experiences

IX.   Build and maintain a tool that, over time, identifies, describes and measures  audiences' electoral participation

Output 3: Allocation of election broadcasting time and funds  in accordance with the provisions of the Broadcasting Act 1989

Most of the activity takes place once in each election cycle.  In the year prior to an expected election, the Commission follows a process of checking and consultation culminating in allocation of broadcast time and money amongst eligible political parties.  The Commission processes the payment of allocated money and supervises compliance with Part 6 of the Act.  In between these periods the Commission responds to inquiries, maintains all systems in readiness for the next cycle and remains abreast of related debates and processes in other democracies.

Objectives for 2005/06

I.     Continue to carry out all aspects of the administration of these allocations in accordance with the Act and in a professional manner

Output 4: Provision of advice on electoral matters

Advice to the Minister of Justice and Parliament on a range of electoral matters primarily takes the form of providing reports to the Justice and Electoral Committee; participating in the Officials Committee on Electoral Matters; and responding to Ministerial and Parliamentary questions.

Objectives for 2005/06

I.     Continue to respond in a professional manner

II.    Maintain a capacity to respond to questions on all election matters, including practice and debate overseas

III.   Make research results available to the Minister of Justice and Parliament

IV.   Assist in the Justice and Electoral Committee's post election review in a professional manner, utilising research and international benchmark material

V.    Maintain a capacity to participate in any fundamental review that is created in response to the recommendation of the Justice and Electoral Committee's review of the 2002 general election.

Output 5: Publicity in connection with the next general election

Voters should have the information necessary in order to cast an effective vote at a general election. There is a concentrated information campaign immediately preceding each election. In planning the campaign the needs of different audiences are taken into consideration. At all times there is a contingency plan for an information campaign should an early election be called.

Objectives for 2005/06

I.     Deliver an election information campaign that delivers credibly and cost effectively.

II.    Ensure cohesion with activities in output 2 so that the broader education campaign supplements the specific information material for the general election.

III.   Maximise the value of the election in meeting strategic goals and vision

IV.   Measure how many people were able to 'cast an effective vote' and the extent to which efficacy had an impact

V.    Achieve certainty in ongoing funding and timing that more closely relates to the financial realities of conducting a national information campaign

VI.   Monitor and respond to party and media comments on MMP.

Guiding Principles of Electoral Administration

The Electoral Commission adopted these principles at its meeting on 8 March 2002.

The Justice and Electoral Committee's Report on its Inquiry into the 1999 General Election (I.7C, 2001, pages 18-20) recommended that the Government encourage all electoral agencies and officials to observe the following five electoral principles: