The Chief Electoral Office of New Zealand conducts general elections, by-elections and referendums. It is part of the Ministry of Justice. In a general election year the Office employs returning officers for the 70 electorates. It receives returns of donations and election expenses from parliamentary candidates, and also provides information to voters, candidates and parties relating to electoral events.
In 2008 the Chief Electoral Officer is Robert Peden.
The Chief Electoral Office is one of three agencies involved in the electoral process, along with the Electoral Enrolment Centre and the Electoral Commission. A fourth body, the Representation Commission, is appointed once every five years to redraw electoral boundaries.