Government

The government of New Zealand is modeled on the British parliamentary system, elections being based on universal adult suffrage. The minimum voting age is 18 and candidates are elected by secret ballot. The maximum period between elections is three years, but the interval can be shorter for various reasons: for example should the government of the day need to seek the confidence of the people on a topic of particular national importance. As in the UK voting in New Zealand is not compulsory, but on average more than of those eligible to vote do so.

The difference between Britain's Westminster system and the New Zealand model is that New Zealand has abolished the upper house and governs solely through the lower house. Known as the House of Representatives, the latter has 92 members seats: four of these seats are held by Maoris. Maoris were admitted to parliament in 1867. The House of Representatives functions primarily to legislate and review the actions of the government in power. No tax can be imposed nor any money spent until the house has authorized such action. The procedure of legislature is similar to that of the British House of Commons with each bill being given three readings.

 

 

 

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