Address: 1 Museum Street, Pipitea, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
Website: https://www.govt.nz/
Stakeholder group: Governments
The Government of New Zealand operates as a constitutional monarchy and a unitary state, meaning the monarch serves as the ceremonial head of state, represented locally by the Governor-General, while real political power resides with the elected government. The Prime Minister leads the government, which is formed through democratic elections held every three years. New Zealand's parliamentary system is based on the British model, with legislative power vested in a single-chamber House of Representatives.
New Zealand uses a Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) voting system, typically resulting in coalition governments since a single party rarely wins an outright majority. The government framework ensures a separation of powers among the legislature (Parliament), the executive (Government), and the judiciary (Courts). The Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister, is the main decision-making body of the executive branch and must have the support of the House of Representatives to govern effectively. The government is responsible for both domestic and international affairs, operating under the principles of responsible government.
