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The big picture
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Pieces of a whole: New Zealand operates as a representative democracy. This means ...

Sovereignty: from the Treaty of Waitangi to the United Nations: Who has supreme authority in ...

Sovereignty challenged: The idea of sovereignty is now very seriously weakened, according to ...

Te Tiriti o Waitangi: According to its preamble, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in order to ...

How it all fits together: New Zealand is a democracy, meaning New Zealanders have ...

Representing the Queen: The Governor-General is the personal representative of our Head ...

Three branches of government: New Zealand's system of government follows the Westminster ...

Watchdogs for democracy: Former Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey Palmer has written that "Politicians provide news for ...

Association of former Members of Parliament

 

  

Pieces of a whole

New Zealand operates as a representative democracy. This means that you can have a say in how things are run – but you can only make the system work for you if you know how the system works. This series aims to help you understand Parliament, government and law in New Zealand, so that you can protect and advance your interests.

Although the way the state works is always changing, some things remain constant. The political system has three main parts – Parliament, government and the law. Each provides checks and balances on other parts and is, in turn, influenced internationally by nations and global, economic and social forces.

Our small country's influence on the world is not as great as that of the world on New Zealand, but occasionally, political leaders say with pride, New Zealand‘s influence is greater than its size.

New Zealand is expanding the ways in which citizens can help shape government more between, as well as during elections.

The big picture introduces you to government in New Zealand and will help have your voice heard.

The big picture is based on the writing of Asia Pacific Economic News contributors in earlier editions of the DecisionMaker Guide to Parliament and Government, reviews by current government officials and research by the Centre for Citizenship Education.

 

    

 

The photo shows the Queen's Herald leading the Governor General, Silvia Cartwright into Parliament.

© Photography by Woolf

The Governor General, Dame Silvia Cartwright, is lead into parliament by the Queen's Herald in full regalia.