The Electoral Commission () is an independent Crown entity set up by the New Zealand Parliament. It is responsible for the administration of parliamentary elections and referendums, promoting compliance with electoral laws, servicing the work of the Representation Commission, and the provision of advice, reports and public education on electoral matters. The commission also assists electoral agencies of other countries on a reciprocal basis with their electoral events. Objective of the Electoral Commission The Electoral Act 1993 defines the objective of the Electoral Commission as "to administer the electoral system impartially, efficiently, effectively, and in a way that – Facilitates participation in parliamentary democracy; and Promotes understanding of the electoral system; and Maintains confidence in the administration of the electoral system". Functions of the Electoral Commission The functions of the Electoral Commission are defined by law and in summary comprise: Preparation and conduct of General Elections, by-elections, and referendums Allocating government monies to registered political parties for radio and television broadcasting Promoting public awareness of electoral matters through education and information programmes Giving advice to the Minister and the House of Representatives on electoral matters referred to the commission Making available information to assist political parties, candidates, and third parties to meet their statutory obligations in respect of electoral matters administered by the commission Compiling and maintaining electoral rolls (from 1 July 2012). Independence The Electoral Commission is an independent Crown entity. The responsible Minister may not direct the commission to give effect to, or have regard to, government policy. In addition: the Governor-General appoints and removes Electoral Commissioners on the recommendation of the House of Representatives the Electoral Commission has a statutory duty to act independently in performing its statutory duties and functions and exercising its powers the Electoral Commission may provide information and advice to the Minister of Justice or the House of Representatives at any time and of its own volition. Electoral Commission Board The Electoral Commission Board has three members, appointed by the Governor-General, including one member as the Chairperson, one member as the Deputy Chairperson and the Chief Electoral Officer, who is the Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission. Electoral events conducted by the Electoral Commission History Formation of the Electoral Commission The Electoral (Administration) Amendment Bill, passed unanimously by Parliament 19 May 2010, established a new independent Electoral Commission which was given overarching responsibility to administer elections. The Electoral Commission, which took over the