This Brief discusses the adoption of the mixed member proportional (MMP) electoral system in New Zealand and its subsequent effect on representation for women. Concerns about the homogeneity of the legislature under the Single Member Plurality electoral system and the need for increased representativeness and greater proportionality of party preference lead to the changeover in 1996. The book addresses the question of whether an increase in descriptive representation for women in New Zealand s House of Representatives has translated to policy outcomes that are beneficial to them. It also...