Dr Wayne Mapp
MP for North Shore
P O Box 33 017 Takapuna
MEDIA RELEASE

5 October 1999

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY IS THE KEY TO GOOD GOVERNANCE SAYS MP

The 120 MP parliament has been given a fair trial run, and it is now time for the people to judge whether we need 120 MPs, says North Shore MP Dr Wayne Mapp.

Dr Mapp says the most appropriate way to gauge public opinion is to have a referendum at the time of the general election on November 27th.

“It is evident that a country with a population of less than 4 million does not require 120 MPs. This contention is supported by public opinion,” he says.

“The past three years have shown that New Zealand can operate with less than the current 120 MPs. In a country as small as New Zealand it is possible to achieve true proportionality with only 99 MPs.

“Central government is now much reduced from earlier days. Community participation has increased, and there are far fewer central Wellington bureaucracies. The resources currently dedicated to 120 MPs would be much better directed at supporting government initiative in our communities.

Dr Mapp says a smaller pool of MPs would also enhance the functionality of parliament.

“Smaller Select Committees and a reduced Cabinet would result in greater efficiency and effectiveness.

“Lets get rid of the bloated parliament, and focus on quality rather than quantity,” says Dr Mapp.

-ENDS -

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