Official Opposition (New Zealand)

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The Official Opposition in New Zealand is usually the largest political party or coalition which is not a member of the ruling government. This means that the political party, while still involved with the political process in New Zealand, they do not have ministers or their supporters in a position of power. This is usually the second-largest party in a legislative house, although in certain unusual circumstances it may be the largest party (due to a larger Government bloc) or even a third or fourth party. In New Zealand, the current opposition party is the National Party.

With the introduction of MMP in 1996 (after referenda in 1992 and 1993), there was consideration to remove the official role of the Opposition as it became unclear which party was 'the' opposition. This is complicated more by parties which occassionally act with the government and at other times vote against it. The unusual positioning that developed after the 2005 election has further complicated the idea of 'opposition'. No grand coalition has yet appeared in New Zealand (excluding the War Cabinets).