Governments of New Zealand

The Governments of New Zealand are based on the Westminster system of responsible government. Executive government in New Zealand is based on the principle that "The Queen reigns, but the government rules, so long as it has the support of the House of Representatives"Sir Kenneth Keith, quoted in the [http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/cabinet/manual/intro.html Cabinet Manual] ] ; hence the Head of state (the Queen, represented by the Governor-General) follow the advice of the government and play only a formal role in the executive, except with respect to the formation and dismissal of governments and the use of the reserve powers.

Head of Government

The Head of Government in New Zealand is the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is indirectly elected, in that they are not directly elected by the people of New Zealand but become Prime Minister by (usually) becoming the leader of the largest party in Parliament following a general election.

History

While New Zealand had been granted self-government in 1853 following the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852, the first government formed along political lines did not appear until 1891, when John Ballance formed the Liberal Party.

List of Governments of New Zealand by term

Note this table does not include the current (5th) Labour government, which has been in power since 1999.

Chronological list of Governments of New Zealand

ee also

* Politics of New Zealand

References