On The Fence

2012

An interactive site established in 2012 by 5 Massey University students to help young people engage with politics and give them the confidence to explore and make an informed decision when they vote.

The site aims to create a space where users can express their opinions, challenge ideas, and explore various perspectives in a respectful and constructive manner. The website offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and participate in discussions. Users can choose from an array of categories, including politics, culture, science, lifestyle, and more. Each category contains a multitude of threads that capture users' attention and encourage active participation.

New Zealand is a young and diverse country, comprising individuals from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and beliefs.

This inclusivity cultivates a rich and vibrant atmosphere where people are encouraged to share their unique viewpoints, fostering a deeper understanding of various issues that matters to them.

The electoral system in New Zealand, called MMP, ensures fair representation in Parliament.

Each voter has two votes: one for a political party and one for a local candidate. The party vote determines the number of seats a party gets in Parliament. The more party votes a party receives, the more MPs from their party list join Parliament. On the other hand, the local candidate vote decides the MP for a specific constituency, regardless of party affiliation. The candidate with the most votes becomes the local MP.