On the Fence, an interactive tool for young voters, returns for 2026.
On the Fence is interactive online tool designed to help young and first-time voters engage with New Zealand politics.
The 2026 edition is led by Toi Āria: Design for Public Good, a research cluster within Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s College of Creative Arts and developed in collaboration with Effect.
On the Fence is a game-like political questionnaire designed to help young New Zealanders explore how their views compare with those of participating political parties. It aims to make political issues more accessible, encourage conversations and further research, and help people make their own informed decisions about voting.
With approximately a third of youth not yet enrolled to vote and changes to enrolment dates in 2026, On the Fence looks to increase access, political education and democratic engagement for rangatahi.
Tim Parkin, the senior research designer for the project, says politics can feel complicated and disconnected from everyday life, particularly if you’re voting for the first time.
“On the Fence provides an approachable way into politics, using accessible language and a fun, game-like experience. It helps people understand what governments do, explore their views across a range of issues, and discover different perspectives.”
Originally created as a Massey University student project, On the Fence was subsequently developed and refined by the Design+Democracy Project for the 2014, 2017 and 2020 General Elections.
The 2026 edition builds on the contributions of the students, researchers, alumni and collaborators who have shaped the project over time.
The project has also received partial funding from the McGuinness Institute through its CivicsNZ project.
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