New Zealand's MMP electoral system: what is it and how does it work?

In 1996 Aotearoa ditched the first past the post' system for a mechanism that creates a more diverse government

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Despite New Zealand democracy being founded on the British system, in 1996 Aotearoa ditched the first past the post" system in favour of MMP (mixed member proportional). The change had been brewing since at least the 1950s, and was a reaction to a gradual breakdown in trust in politicians and dominant political parties, and voters wanting more choice to elect smaller, niche parties.

MMP means voters are asked to vote twice - once for their preferred party and the second time for an electorate MP.