New Zealand Labour Party announces 'early election' list

March 28, 2005 The announced its party list admidst speculations it may call an early election. The must be held before [Sept 24 2005. The list ranking is often seen as a ranking of the importance for each politician to the party.

Hon. was ranked at number five, the highest ranking of any Maori MP. The Maori MPs face a strong challenge from the newly formed. , the highest placed non-MP, is all but assured of a seat in the next. is placed at 42, and represents Labour's interest in courting the Asian vote. The Asian population has grown significantly over the past ten years within New Zealand.

The surprising absentee is Hon., the Minister of Police. He has been criticised for performing poorly in the House, and it is speculated he was offered a low ranking and refused. He is likely to return to Parliament on the basis of his strong hold on the electorate seat.

At the time, no other major political party has released its list.

Background
changed its electoral system to in 1996, before then it used. In the, Labour won 52 seats. Labour then became government in a minority coalition. Elections are held every three years in New Zealand.