New Zealand - New Zealand - Political process: There is universal suffrage for those 18 years of age and older. The North Island (44,281 sq mi; 115,777 sq km) is 515 mi (829 km) long and volcanic in its south-central part. Modern New Zealand has inherited much from its British settlers - our language, democratic institutions, legal system and more. Try pressing Control + P on your keyboard to print, or use your browser’s print option. New Zealand has had a long history of government intervention in the economy, ranging from state institutions’ competing in banking and insurance to an extensive social security system. While New Zealand used to be known as a ’little Britain’, it has matured and established its own identity – one with a stronger focus on its indigenous people - Māori - and on its neighbours in the Pacific and Asia. New Zealand, about 1,250 mi (2,012 km) southeast of Australia, consists of two main islands and a number of smaller outlying islands so scattered that they range from the tropical to the antarctic. New Zealand Government | Te Kawanatanga o Aotearoa. The Beehive and Parliament House, Wellington. The prime minister, who serves as the head of government, and the cabinet are also a part of the executive branch. New Zealand's Parliament dates back to 1854, just 14 years after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and the beginning of the European settlement of the country. Published 26 April 2018 Last updated 2 November 2020 — see all updates. The paranoid style in New Zealand politics Criticism of the Government's Covid-19 response is far from new, and has often had merit. Total Population : 4,935,630 Although it is around the size of Japan, New Zealand’s population is just over four million, making it one of the world’s least populated countries. 1908 Of course, we get to vote for Parliament once every three years. New Zealand has a ratio of 400 golf courses for every four million people. NZ uses a Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) voting system which makes it unlikely that any one political party (eg National, Labour, Greens) will win a majority of the seats in the House. From the funny place names to the national wizard, there’s a bunch of weird facts about New Zealand that you don’t really need to know but it’s fun to know anyway. Immigration and visas. The New Zealand government even created a Minister for Lord of the Rings, to ensure the most money could be made from the films. If you're an entrepreneur or investor looking to create positive global impact, our new Global Impact Visa (GIVs) could be for you. This means that our head of state is a sovereign (currently Queen Elizabeth II). New Zealand is a welcoming, diverse country with a history of Māori, European, Pacific Island, and Asian immigration. Hear how recent migrants found their move to New Zealand and why they love their new home. Please don’t include any personal or financial information. 1887: Tongariro National Park established. Your feedback is very important in helping us improve the New Zealand Now website. South … Its closest neighbour is Australia, which is a separate country – one of the first things to learn is that New Zealand is its own autonomous country and does not belong to Australia in any way. 2. New Zealand's two main components are the North Island and the South Island, separated by Cook Strait. Judges interpret the law in cases that come before the courts by hearing and deciding cases, and they can review decisions of government. See how this founding document influences our government today. New Zealand’s economic freedom score is 84.1, making its economy the 3rd freest in the 2020 Index. Govt.nz is your guide to finding and using government services. Sign up to receive relevant job opportunities from New Zealand employers and practical advice on how to make your move to New Zealand a reality. New Zealand also experiences earthquakes, which although common are usually not the severe. The party with the most votes usually needs to form a coalition or agreement with another party or parties. Before establishing farms and settlements, they had to first clear the land - a painstaking and sometimes dangerous activity. This article lists spans of government under a party or coalition, as well as ministries under a prime minister. This helps in the population status … New Zealand is a democracy, meaning New Zealanders have ultimate power over the way they are governed. This rich blend of cultures, combined with geologically fascinating landscapes and unique flora and fauna, make New Zealand an exciting country to explore. Total mobilised during the war: 117,175; Served overseas: 99,000; Immediately after the declaration of war against Germany the New Zealand government offered to raise an expeditionary force for service overseas alongside British imperial troops. New Zealand Government type. Learn about our system of government and how elections work. The judiciary are judges and the courts. New Zealand’s Parliament is unicameral. The first settlers probably arrived from Polynesia between 1200 and 1300 AD. The country is the size of Colorado. The New Zealand Government exercises executive power in New Zealand. 38. If you’d like to see the elusive kiwi bird, check out Zealandia in Wellington, or Rainbow Springs in Rotorua. NZ also uses the system of ‘responsible government’. This ‘separation of powers’ makes sure no one part of government has too much power. Government type: parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm . They discovered New Zealand as they explored the Pacific, navigating by ocean currents and the winds and stars.In some traditions, the navigator credited with discovering New Zealand is Kupe. Every country has its quirky side, but New Zealand is definitely a country that embraces it! Check out the organisations responsible for things at the local, community level. Welcome to Govt.nz. The Royal New Zealand Air Force logo features the national animal, the kiwi – a flightless bird…how ironic . This area contains many hot springs and beautiful geysers. Branches of Government in New Zealand . 1893: New Zealand becomes the first nation to grant women the right to vote. Factbook > Countries > New Zealand > Government. This branch is headed by Queen Elizabeth II who serves as the chief of state but is represented by a governor general. Take a quick look at the events that have shaped our young nation. New Zealand has three types of volcanoes, cone, caldera and volcanic field. For millennia it lay totally undiscovered until ancestors of the Māori arrived. The New Zealand Parliament holds legislative power and consists of the Queen and the House of Representatives. which means that Govt.nz might not display properly on your device. It's easy to turn JavaScript on -. New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy, in which Queen Elizabeth II is the sovereign and head of state. The government aims to eradicate all possums, rats and stoats by 2050. 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