It is a bit like waiting for a bus, you don't get to vote for three years and then three come along all at once.
The Clerk of the House has confirmed that Christchurch man, Norm Withers has gained enough signatures, at the second
attempt, to force a Citizens Initiated Referendum on the justice system.
Mr Withers launched the petition after his mother - Nan Withers - was brutally bashed while looking after his store.
The original petition fell short of the 252,0000 signatures required, however the today announced that the revised
petition has 285,000 thousand signatures.
The referendum calls for the justice system to be reformed in favour of victims and asks for compensation and
restitution for the victims of violent crime, as well as minimum sentences and hard labour for all serious violent
offenders.
No date has been set for the referendum, but it could be held along with the general election when another referendum on
reducing the number of MPs will also be held.
Depending on the result of the general election itself, a fourth referendum could also be in the wings. The Prime
Minister has received National Party support for putting the future of MMP to the electorate instead of having a select
committee look at the electoral system's fate.
In order for that to happen, Mrs Shipley would have to be returned to Parliament in a very strong position to force the
deal on MMP reliant supporters.