The public is likely to get a vote on whether or not New Zealand should legalise euthanasia.
The change to ACT leader David Seymour's End of Life Choice Bill was narrowly passed in Parliament on Wednesday night, meaning if politicians decide to vote for the law it must be approved by the public first.
A referendum was a condition insisted on by New Zealand First. The Bill's sponsor didn't want to send it to the public but he needed New Zealand First's nine votes to keep the Bill alive.
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- Seymour brushes off opposition to euthanasia from 1000 doctors
- David Seymour confident Kiwis will back euthanasia in next year's likely referendum
Seymour admitted he had to "make compromises with a whole range of stakeholders to keep our majority together".
It was a tight vote, with 63 voting in favour and 57 against.
Parliament also agreed upon the question voters will be asked. It'll be a yes or no, and the results will be binding.
"Do you support the End of Life Choice Act 2017 coming into force?"
Newshub spoke to Wellington voters to find out how they will vote and whether they even want to have their say in a referendum.
One person said they "100 percent think the public should vote".
Another said they would have preferred MPs to make the decision, saying: "I'm not really comfortable voting - I would've expected our politicians to take care of this."
Others agreed. One man toldNewshub: "I just think politicians should do their job and make the decision that needs to be made."
Another said: "Everyone should have their say I don't think the politicians should just decide."
Some concerns have been raised about whether voters will be well enough informed to make the call.
"I've already made up my mind. To be honest, I know enough people who've been through really hard times and I don't think it's fair," one person told Newshub.
Another said they'd "like to hear from doctors, nurses and medical professions what they actually think about it".
Others said: "I think it's a real personal choice."
Deputy Prime Minister and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has faith in the public's ability to make the right decision.
"They've got the brains, they've got the intelligence, they've got the experience, you make sure they get the information it will be fine" he said.
The referendum was the final change made to the Bill, two years since it was drawn. MPs will get their final vote on whether to legalise assisted dying in three weeks.
Newshub.
