Info
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
f . Inherited monarchy with a Governor appointed by the Monarch
Comments: New Zealand’s head of State is the Sovereign, King Charles III of New Zealand. The Governor-General is the King's representative in New Zealand.
Since 1972, the Cabinet has generally chosen the Governor-General's successor about a year before the incumbent's term ends. Once the Cabinet has agreed upon a candidate, the prime minister advises the Sovereign. If the Sovereign is pleased with the candidate, the leader of Opposition is usually consulted before the conclusion of the recruitment process.
Source: Constitution Act 1986, Art. 2: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0114/latest/whole.html#DLM94210 (2017)
https://nzhistory.govt.nz/politics/the-chosen-few/selection-process
Verified: 2024/07/02
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: "The Prime Minister is appointed by warrant by the Governor-General" who is required by constitutional convention to "act on the outcome of the electoral process and subsequent discussions between political parties" which identify the party or group of parties "able to command the confidence of the House of Representatives," "and therefore has a mandate to govern the country." Constitutional convention also requires the Governor-General to "act on the outcome of the political process by which the person who will lead the government as Prime Minister is identified."
This means that the leader of the majority party, or leader of the ruling coalition parties, in the House becomes the Prime Minister.
Source: https://dpmc.govt.nz/our-business-units/cabinet-office/supporting-work-cabinet/cabinet-manual/2-ministers-crown-1
https://www.newzealandnow.govt.nz/living-in-nz/history-government/our-constitution
Verified: 2024/07/02
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: The Sovereign (or the Sovereign's appointed Governor-General) serves as the Head of State. The Prime Minister serves as the Head of Government.
Source: Constitution Act 1986, Art. 2: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0114/latest/whole.html#DLM94210 (2017)
https://dpmc.govt.nz/our-business-units/cabinet-office/supporting-work-cabinet/cabinet-manual/2-ministers-crown-1
Verified: 2024/07/02
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: The House of Representatives
Source: Constitution Act 1986, Art. 10: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0114/latest/whole.html#DLM94210 (2017)
Verified: 2024/07/02
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
h . Mixed Member Proportional
Comments: A referendum on the Voting System was held in 2011. The majority of voters chose to keep MMP as New Zealand's voting system.
Source: Elections New Zealand Official Website: http://www.elections.org.nz/elections/2011-general-election-and-referendum/ (2017);
Official Website for the MMP review: http://www.mmpreview.org.nz/ (2017);
Constitution Act 1986, Art. 10.2: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0114/latest/whole.html#DLM94210 (2017)
Election Act of 1993- Preamble
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/NZ/new-zealand-electoral-act-2010/view (2017)
Verified: 2024/07/02
The data on this page is continuously updated.
Additional, but potentially outdated material is available here.
