NZ - POLITICAL SYSTEM

      New Zealand is an independent member of the Commonwealth. The head of state is the reigning British monarch who is represented by the Governor-General, appointed for a term of 5 years.
    The New Zealand government has three branches – the Legislature (Parliament), the Executive (the branch of government which performs tasks) and the Judiciary (Judges). Power is divided between these branches thus preventing any single branch from acting against the basic constitutional principles of the country. Although each branch has a different role, they are not totally separate from each other. Like other states using the Westminster system, New Zealand has no written constitution. Two important documents are The Treaty of Waitangi and the Bill of Rights Act.
    The political system is democratic and was modelled on that of Britain. The parliament had two chambers until the non-elective Legislative Council was abolished in 1950. At present parliament consists of a single house. The members of the House of Representatives are elected by universal adult suffrage for terms of 3 years. At least 4 of them are representatives of the Maori people. 
    The government is formed after an election by the party coalition which commands a majority of the votes in the House of Representatives. The head of government is the Prime Minister – the leader of the winning party. The Cabinet consists of 20 Ministers including the Prime Minister. In addition to Central Government there are over 900 local authorities - that is local administrations directed by elected private citizens as in Britain. They have wide powers, and are elected by residents over 21.

ADMINISTRATION

      New Zealand is divided into counties. The capital is Wellington. Other big cities are Manukau, Christchurch, Hamilton, and Auckland.

    The flag of New Zealand consists of the British Union Jack in the left upper corner and four red stars in the constellation of the Southern Cross.