New Zealand's national political system combines the Crown, Parliament, government and courts. Parliament makes laws and scrutinizes the government. The government administers public services and must retain the confidence of the House of Representatives to govern. Courts apply the law independently. New Zealand is a unitary state, so constitutional authority is not divided between a national government and constitutionally separate states or provinces. Local councils nevertheless make decisions about matters such as local roads, planning, waste services and community facilities. Their responsibilities differ from those of Parliament and central government. Elections choose members of the House of Representatives. New Zealand uses the Mixed Member Proportional electoral system, commonly called MMP, which combines electorate representation with party-based representation. The results determine the balance of seats in Parliament and influence which party or group can form a government. Coalition or support agreements may be needed when one party does not hold enough seats to govern alone. Political participation also includes contacting representatives, joining political groups, making submissions on proposed laws and taking part in local elections or council consultations. These channels address different decisions: Parliament deals with national law and policy, while councils deal with local services and regulation.
Politics in New Zealand
Politics in New Zealand organizes public authority and gives people ways to influence national decisions. New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy with one national Parliament. Elections determine parliamentary representation, while local councils manage many matters close to communities within a unitary state.
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