New Zealand is a democratic country in which the members of parliament (MPs) are chosen in free and fair elections every three years.
Citizens and permanent residents who are aged 18 years and over are required to enrol to vote. Voting is not compulsory, but turnout is high by international standards.
For more information on eligibility to vote, please check out the Elections NZ website.
This answer was last updated on 23 November, 2011.
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