Constitution Act 1986

The Legislature - Parliament

19: First meeting of Parliament after general election

You could also call this:

"Parliament's first meeting after a general election must happen within 6 weeks of the results being announced"

When you have a general election to choose members of the House of Representatives, Parliament must meet within 6 weeks after the day they announce the results. You can think of the return of the writs as the official announcement of the election results. Parliament has to meet within this timeframe to start working on the business of the country.

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This page was last updated on 18 July 2025

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM94245.

Topics:

Government and voting > ElectionsGovernment and voting > Government departments

18: Summoning, proroguing, and dissolution of Parliament, or

"The Governor-General's power to start, stop, or delay Parliament meetings"

20: Lapse or reinstatement of parliamentary business, or

"What happens to Parliament's unfinished work when a session or Parliament ends"

Part 3The Legislature
Parliament

19First meeting of Parliament after general election

After any general election of members of the House of Representatives, Parliament shall meet not later than 6 weeks after the day fixed for the return of the writs for that election.