Monarchy of New Zealand facts for kids
The monarchy of New Zealand is New Zealand's system of government. In this system, a hereditary monarch is the country's sovereign and head of state. The current monarch is King Charles III, who became King on 8 September 2022.
The Treaty of Waitangi was signed on 6 February 1840. It was an agreement between Queen Victoria and Māori chiefs (rangatira). This treaty helped establish British rule over New Zealand on 21 May 1840. From that point, the British monarch became New Zealand's head of state. Over time, New Zealand became more independent from Britain. The monarchy also changed to become a unique New Zealand institution, with its own symbols.
The same person who is the King of New Zealand is also the monarch of 14 other countries. These countries are part of the Commonwealth of Nations. In each of these countries, the monarchy is legally separate. So, the current monarch is officially called King of New Zealand (Māori: Kīngi o Aotearoa). He and other members of the royal family visit New Zealand and do many public and private duties. However, only the King has a role in New Zealand's constitution.
The King holds all executive power. His approval is needed for parliament to make laws. It is also needed for other legal documents to be valid. But the King's power follows the rules of a constitutional monarchy. This means his direct involvement in governing is limited. Most of these powers are used by elected members of parliament. They are also used by ministers of the Crown and judges. Some powers, like dismissing a prime minister, are very important. But they are only used in special situations as "reserve powers."
The monarch usually lives in the United Kingdom. So, most of the King's duties in New Zealand are done by his representative. This person is called the governor-general of New Zealand.
People in New Zealand often discuss the monarchy's role. Some New Zealanders think the country should become a republic. This would mean having a New Zealander as head of state. But most people want to keep the monarchy.
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International and New Zealand Aspects
Charles III is the reigning sovereign of each of the 15 Commonwealth realms.
The Realm of New Zealand is one of the Commonwealth realms. These are 15 independent countries in the Commonwealth of Nations. They all share the same person as their sovereign and head of state. They also follow the same royal line of succession. The monarch, currently King Charles III, lives in the United Kingdom. However, he and his family have visited New Zealand many times.
This system developed during the 20th century. After the Statute of Westminster 1931 was passed in 1931, the Crown became both shared and separate. The monarch's role as King of New Zealand is now different from his role as King of the United Kingdom. The monarchy is no longer just a British institution. It has become a separate part of New Zealand. Still, for historical reasons, the monarchy is often called "British." This is even though the New Zealand government sees it as a distinct New Zealand Crown. The monarch also has a specific New Zealand title.
For all matters concerning New Zealand, the monarch gets advice only from New Zealand ministers. British ministers or ministers from other countries do not advise him on New Zealand matters. One important duty is appointing the governor-general. This is done on the formal advice of the New Zealand prime minister. Since the monarch lives outside New Zealand, the governor-general acts on his behalf. They perform most of the King's duties in New Zealand. Both the monarch and the governor-general can carry out royal powers in New Zealand. In New Zealand law, their roles are interchangeable. As of 2021, the current Governor-General is Dame Cindy Kiro.
The King's Title
Before 1953, the monarch's title was the same in all his or her realms. In 1952, it was agreed that each Commonwealth realm could have its own royal titles. The New Zealand Parliament passed the Royal Style and Titles Act in 1953. This changed Queen Elizabeth II's title. Her title became Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Her Other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.
After the Royal Titles Act 1974, Elizabeth's title in New Zealand changed again. It became Elizabeth the Second, By the Grace of God Queen of New Zealand and of Her Other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith. When Charles became King, his title was proclaimed as King Charles the Third, By the Grace of God King of New Zealand and of His Other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith. This title will be confirmed in a new law.
Even though the King's New Zealand title includes 'Defender of the Faith', neither the King nor the governor-general has a religious role in New Zealand. There has never been an official church in the country. This is different from the King's role in England. There, the monarch is the head of the Church of England.
Who Becomes King or Queen?
The King's elder son, William, Prince of Wales, is first in line to the throne. For people born before 28 October 2011, the oldest male child inherits the throne first. For those born after this date, the oldest child inherits, no matter if they are male or female.
Laws like the Act of Settlement 1701 and Bill of Rights 1689 decide who can inherit the throne. Only direct, legitimate descendants of Sophia of Hanover can be monarch. The monarch cannot be a Roman Catholic. They must also be a member of the Church of England when they become King or Queen.
New Zealand can change its own laws about succession. However, New Zealand agreed not to change these rules without all the other Commonwealth realms agreeing. This is a shared agreement among these nations. In 2011, the Commonwealth realms made the Perth Agreement. They agreed to change old laws that favoured male heirs. They also agreed to allow a person married to a Roman Catholic to be in the line of succession. New Zealand made these changes with the Royal Succession Act 2013.
When a monarch dies or steps down (this is called a demise of the Crown), the next heir immediately becomes the new sovereign. There is no need for a special ceremony. This is why people say, "The king is dead, long live the king!" It is common for the new monarch's accession to be publicly announced. This happens at a ceremony with the governor-general and other officials. After a period of national mourning, the monarch is also crowned in the United Kingdom. This is an old tradition, but it's not needed for the sovereign to rule. All royal powers transfer to the new monarch. No other laws or offices are affected. All references to previous monarchs in laws still apply to the reigning sovereign of New Zealand. Once someone becomes monarch, they usually reign until they die. They cannot simply decide to step down.
If a monarch is too young or unwell, a regent can rule for them. The next qualified person in line to the throne automatically becomes regent. The British Regency Act 1937 does not directly apply to New Zealand. However, New Zealand's Constitution Act 1986 says that if a regent is appointed in the United Kingdom, that person will also carry out the duties of the sovereign of New Zealand.
Money Matters
The King uses New Zealand funds to support his duties when he is in New Zealand. This also applies when he acts as monarch of New Zealand abroad. New Zealanders do not pay any money to the King or other royal family members for their personal income. They also do not pay for royal homes outside New Zealand.
Normally, tax money only covers costs for the governor-general. This includes travel, security, homes, offices, and ceremonies. Supporters of the monarchy say it costs New Zealand taxpayers very little. This includes royal visits and the governor-general's expenses. Monarchy New Zealand says it's "about one dollar per person per year," which is about $4.3 million each year. A group called New Zealand Republic (who want a republic) said in 2010 that the governor-general's office costs about $7.6 million. They also claimed $11 million for Government House upgrades. Monarchy New Zealand said these figures were "arbitrarily inflated."
Cook Islands, Niue and Territories
The King of New Zealand is also the monarch of the Cook Islands and Niue. These territories are in free association with New Zealand. They are part of the larger Realm of New Zealand. The New Zealand monarchy is the same across all parts of the realm. The head of state role is shared equally by all. So, the Cook Islands and Niue get their sovereignty through the Crown itself. This happens as part of how government works in all three areas.
The Cook Islands has self-government within the Realm of New Zealand. The King is directly represented there by the King's representative. The governor-general of New Zealand represents the monarch for matters concerning the whole realm. In Niue, the governor-general represents the monarch. They carry out all the monarch's duties there. The administrator of Tokelau is a government official. They are appointed by New Zealand's minister of foreign affairs. This administrator represents the New Zealand Government, not the monarch personally.
The King as the State
The King is seen as the living symbol of the Crown. He represents the personification, or legal identity, of the New Zealand state. So, the state is called His Majesty The King in Right of New Zealand, or The Crown (Māori: Te Karauna).
I, [specify], swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her [or His] Majesty [specify the name of the reigning Sovereign], Her [or His] heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Because the monarch represents the state, many people swear oaths of allegiance to him. This includes government staff, police officers, and new citizens. This is a two-way promise. The sovereign makes a Coronation oath. At the coronation of Charles III, he promised to "govern the Peoples of" his realms, including New Zealand, "according to their respective laws and customs."
The King's Role in Government
New Zealand's constitution includes many laws and traditions. These come from both Britain and New Zealand. Together, they create a parliamentary system of government. In this system, the King has both a legal and practical role. The Crown is seen as a single legal entity. The sovereign, as head of state, is at the center. The power of the Crown is shared by different government bodies. These bodies act under the King's authority.
The many powers of the Crown are called the royal prerogative. The King can use these powers without parliament's approval. However, these powers are not unlimited. For example, the monarch cannot create new taxes without parliament's permission. Parliament must get the Crown's permission before discussing any law that affects the King's powers or interests. No law passed by parliament can limit the King's rights unless the law clearly states it does.
Executive Power
The New Zealand Government is officially called His Majesty's Government. The Constitution Act says it is the monarch acting on the advice of the Executive Council. A main duty of the Crown is to make sure there is always a democratic government. This means appointing a prime minister. The prime minister then leads the Cabinet. The Cabinet advises the Crown on how to use the royal prerogative. They must also keep the governor-general updated on state matters.
In a constitutional monarchy, the ministers' advice is usually followed. This is often described as: "The [King] reigns, but the government rules, as long as it has the support of the House of Representatives." The royal prerogative belongs to the Crown, not to the ministers. The monarch or governor-general can use these powers on their own in special constitutional crisis situations. This allows the monarch to ensure the government follows the constitution.
There are also a few duties that only the sovereign can do. These include signing appointment papers for governors-general. They also include giving royal honours and heraldry. The King must also approve any changes to his New Zealand title.
Foreign Affairs
The King's powers also cover foreign affairs. The governor-general handles treaties, alliances, and international agreements. They do this on the Cabinet's advice. Before 1975, the monarch signed treaties for New Zealand. After that, it was decided the governor-general could sign them.
The governor-general, on behalf of the monarch, also approves New Zealand's high commissioners and ambassadors. They also welcome diplomats from other countries. Passports are issued in the monarch's name and belong to him.
Parliament's Role
The sovereign is one of the two parts of the New Zealand Parliament. The monarch and governor-general do not take part in making laws. They only grant royal assent. This is needed for a bill to become law. Either the King, the governor-general, or a delegate can do this.
The Crown is also responsible for calling and ending parliament. After parliament is ended, the governor-general usually calls for a general election. A new parliamentary session begins with the monarch or governor-general reading the speech from the throne. They are not allowed in the House of Representatives. So, this ceremony happens in the Legislative Council Chamber. Queen Elizabeth II opened parliament seven times in person.
Members of parliament must show loyalty to the King. All new parliamentarians must say the oath of allegiance before they can take their seat. The official opposition is called His Majesty's Loyal Opposition. This shows that even though they oppose the government, they are loyal to the King.
Courts and Justice
The King is responsible for providing justice for everyone. He is seen as the fount of justice. He does not personally decide court cases. Instead, judges and justices of the peace do this in the King's name. The monarch cannot be charged with a crime. The law says the sovereign "can do no wrong." The King, and by extension the governor-general, can also grant immunity from prosecution. They can use the royal prerogative of mercy and pardon crimes against the Crown. This can happen before, during, or after a trial.
Cultural Role
Royal Visits and Duties
Members of the royal family have visited New Zealand since the late 1800s. They come for military events or official royal tours. Important events like anniversaries or celebrations of New Zealand culture often involve the monarch. Other royals might attend smaller events. Official duties involve the King representing New Zealand at home or abroad. Royal family members also take part in government ceremonies.
The Prime Minister of New Zealand invites the royals for any New Zealand event. The Royal Visits Committee in the British Cabinet Office helps plan the visit. These events include centennials, bicentennials, Waitangi Day, and openings of Commonwealth Games. They also include awards ceremonies and anniversaries of the monarch's accession. Unofficial duties are done by royals for New Zealand organizations they support. They might attend charity events or visit the New Zealand Defence Force.
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Since 1869, when Prince Alfred visited, many royal tours have happened. Queen Elizabeth II was the first reigning monarch of New Zealand to tour the country. This was during her 1953–1954 global tour. She even broadcast her annual royal Christmas message from Government House in Auckland.
Queen Elizabeth II visited New Zealand many other times. She attended celebrations at Waitangi in 1963. The Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council was created as a gift to her. In 1970, she joined James Cook bicentenary celebrations. In 1974, she closed the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch. She also took part in New Zealand Day events. She visited for her Silver Jubilee in 1977. She made a brief visit in 1981 after a meeting in Melbourne. In 1986, she marked the 100th anniversary of the New Zealand Police. In 1990, she closed the Commonwealth Games in Auckland. She also took part in events marking 150 years of the Treaty of Waitangi. In 1995, she attended a meeting in Auckland and opened the refurbished parliament buildings. For her Golden Jubilee in 2002, she visited New Zealand again.
Younger royals have also toured. Princess Anne visited in 1990 for the 75th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings. Prince William represented the Queen in 2005 for VE and VJ Day events. He also opened the new Supreme Court of New Zealand building in 2010. Prince Edward spent time as a tutor at the Wanganui Collegiate School in 1982.
I want to show you that the Crown is not merely an abstract symbol of our unity but a personal and living bond between you and me.
The King and his family also perform duties in the other 14 Commonwealth realms. Sometimes, Queen Elizabeth II represented the United Kingdom, while her governor-general represented New Zealand at the same event.
The Crown and the Defence Force
The Crown is at the top of the New Zealand Defence Force. The governor-general is the commander-in-chief. Under the Defence Act 1990, they can "raise and maintain armed forces." These forces include the Royal New Zealand Navy, New Zealand Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force. The King's role as head of the armed forces is shown in several ways. New Zealand's naval ships are called His Majesty's New Zealand Ship (or Her Majesty's New Zealand Ship). All members of the armed forces must swear loyalty to the King. The governor-general commissions officers to lead the forces.
Allegiance [by Defence Force personnel is to] the Sovereign, [however] loyalty [is] to the Government of the day ... The Defence Force and the disposition of those Forces are at the decision ... of Her Majesty's Ministers for the time being.
The monarch and his family members also act as colonels-in-chief of various military regiments. These roles are mostly ceremonial. They show the Crown's connection with the military. The country's only currently ranked admiral of the fleet, field marshal and marshal of the air force is King Charles III. These ranks were also held by Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II's husband. Many regiments also have the word royal in their name. Examples include the Corps of Royal New Zealand Engineers and the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.
The Crown and Māori
Māori first interacted with the Crown in 1832. That year, King William IV appointed James Busby as British resident. On 28 October 1835, Busby oversaw a meeting at Waitangi. There, a flag was chosen for New Zealand. A declaration of independence written by Busby was signed by 36 Māori chiefs. The King acknowledged both the flag and the declaration the next year.
Because the British Parliament approved the declaration in 1836, officials decided a treaty was needed. This treaty would allow the British Crown to gain control over New Zealand. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed on 6 February 1840. Representatives of the British Crown and over 500 Māori chiefs signed it. It is seen as a founding document of government. The Treaty states the Crown's right to kāwanatanga, or "governorship." One Māori expert says that kāwanatanga, or His Majesty's Government in New Zealand, is a party to the treaty.
Since the treaty, Māori have sent petitions directly to the sovereign in London. They felt they had a special connection with the monarch. The first petition came from northern chiefs in 1852. All these appeals were sent back to the sovereign's New Zealand ministers for advice. The results were not always good for Māori. They have shared their unhappiness with the monarch or other royals.
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In the Māori language, Queen Elizabeth II was sometimes called te kōtuku-rerenga-tahi. This means "the white heron of a single flight." In Māori proverbs, the rare white heron is a special bird seen only once in a lifetime. In 1953, for her coronation, Elizabeth was given a kiwi feather korowai cloak. She wore it during a pōwhiri, or Māori welcoming ceremony. She also spoke partly in Māori.
Royal Symbols
References to the monarchy are common in New Zealand. They are a clear way the head of state is part of New Zealand's national identity. Royal symbols can show institutions that get their power from the Crown. They can also show groups with royal connections. Or they can simply express loyalty.
The main symbol of the monarchy is the sovereign. As of 2023, Queen Elizabeth II is still shown on all coins. She is also on the twenty-dollar banknote and postage stamps. The St Edward's Crown is on New Zealand's coat of arms. It is also on various medals and awards. These show the monarch's role as the formal head of the New Zealand royal honours system. Only the King can approve a new honour. He does this on the prime minister's advice. The monarch formally appoints members to the different orders. But the governor-general handles most other duties related to New Zealand honours.
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Flags also represent royal authority. A personal flag for the Queen to use in New Zealand was adopted in 1962. It shows the shield from the New Zealand coat of arms. In the middle is a dark blue circle with an 'E' and a crown. This is surrounded by a gold wreath of roses. The current monarch, King Charles III, has not adopted a personal flag for New Zealand.
Music and songs remind people of the sovereign. New Zealand inherited "God Save the King" (or "God Save the Queen") from Britain. It is still one of the two national anthems, along with "God Defend New Zealand". It is mostly used at official events when the monarch, a royal family member, or the governor-general is present. The sovereign has the right to declare a song a national anthem.
Like in other Commonwealth realms, the King's Birthday is a public holiday. In New Zealand, it is celebrated on the first Monday in June. This is not the King's actual birthday. Celebrations are mainly official. They include the Birthday Honours list and military ceremonies.
Groups with Royal Support
To get royal support, an organization must be long-lasting. It also needs to be excellent in its field. These organizations, like the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association, use the word royal in their name. They have received support from various monarchs and their families. It is the royal individual's decision to give support. The Ministry for Culture and Heritage helps organizations seek this support.
Debate About the Monarchy
New Zealand and Australia are similar in how the monarchy is involved in politics. But there is less talk in New Zealand about becoming a republic. In Australia, the movement to become a republic is stronger. Past public polls show that most Australians want a republic. But New Zealanders generally prefer to keep the monarchy. Supporters of the monarchy say it represents "a thousand years of constitutional government." It also shows New Zealand's "links with a glorious past."
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Neither the National nor Labour parties have a policy to create a republic. The National Party's principles include "Loyalty to ... our Sovereign as Head of State." In 2008, former Prime Minister John Key said he didn't think a republic would be a big issue soon. But he did believe it was "inevitable." Former Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen supported the monarchy in 2004. He said he was "a sort of token monarchist in the Cabinet." In 2010, he changed his mind. He thought New Zealand should become a republic after the Queen's reign ended. There are two groups that argue about this in the media: Monarchy New Zealand and New Zealand Republic.
There are legal issues to consider if the monarchy were to be abolished. People on both sides have different ideas about how difficult this would be. Much of the debate focuses on the King's reserve powers. It also looks at the relationship between the different parts of the Realm of New Zealand that share the same sovereign. Another key point is how it would affect the relationship between the Crown and Māori. This includes the legal status of the Treaty of Waitangi and its claims. Some experts worry that governments could use republicanism to avoid treaty duties. Others, like Professor Noel Cox, argue a republic would not remove the Government's duties under the treaty.
Most New Zealanders support the monarchy, especially those born before World War II. Queen Elizabeth II was very popular. Also, the future of the Treaty of Waitangi under a republic remains a concern for Māori and other New Zealanders. The question of what a republic would look like is also not settled. Because of this, support for a republic has not been higher than 33% to 40% of the population. Polls show that many New Zealanders think the monarchy has little daily importance. A One News/Colmar Brunton poll in 2002 found that 58% of people thought the monarchy had little or no relevance. A National Business Review poll in 2004 found 57% believed New Zealand would become a republic "in the future."
On 21 April 2008, New Zealand Republic released a poll. It showed 43% supported the monarchy if Prince Charles became king. 41% supported a republic in that situation. A poll by The New Zealand Herald in January 2010 found 33.3% wanted Prince Charles to be the next monarch. 30.2% preferred Prince William. 29.4% wanted a republic if Queen Elizabeth died or stepped down.
On 14 October 2009, a bill to hold a referendum on the monarchy was introduced to parliament. This bill was expected to only apply to New Zealand. It would not affect the Cook Islands or Niue. On 21 April 2010, the bill was defeated. It did not move forward.
Before a royal tour by Prince Charles and Camilla in November 2012, a One News/Colmar Brunton poll was taken. It reported that 70% of people wanted to "keep The Queen as head of state." Only 19% supported a republic. After the tour, a poll found 51% wanted Charles as King after the Queen's reign. 41% supported a republic.
After the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, a 1News/Kantar Public Poll showed support for a republic decreased. 50% of people preferred to stay with the monarchy. Support for the monarchy in New Zealand often increases when there is a lot of focus on the royal family. This can be due to royal tours or big events like a royal wedding.
History
In the early 1800s, some Māori visited London. They met British royalty. Moehanga (or Te Mahanga) of Ngāpuhi was the first Māori to visit England. He said he met King George III and Queen Charlotte in 1806. Other chiefs (rangatira) also met the monarch. This included Hongi Hika, who met King George IV in 1820.
Lieutenant James Cook first sailed to New Zealand in 1769. He mapped the coastline and claimed the land for King George III. From 1790, more European settlers came to New Zealand. By 1833, there was growing lawlessness among traders and settlers. The British government appointed James Busby as British resident to protect British trade. But problems continued. On 15 June 1839, the governor of the British colony of New South Wales, Sir George Gipps, announced that New South Wales' borders would include any territory in New Zealand that became British.
The British government sent Captain William Hobson to New Zealand. He was to be lieutenant-governor under Gipps. Hobson was told to get control for the British Crown with the consent of Māori chiefs. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed on 6 February 1840, at Waitangi. This led to the British declaring control over New Zealand on 21 May 1840. After that, Britain made New Zealand a separate colony. A Charter for Erecting the Colony of New Zealand was issued on 16 November 1840. Queen Victoria then became New Zealand's head of state.
In 1852, the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852 was passed. This established responsible government in New Zealand. It also allowed the governor to give the Royal Assent in the sovereign's name.
Queen Victoria's second son, Prince Alfred, was the first British royal to visit New Zealand. He arrived in Wellington on 11 April 1869.
In 1907, New Zealand became a dominion. This meant it was a country in the British Empire (and later the Commonwealth of Nations) that could manage its own affairs. In 1917, King George V set out the powers of the governor-general and the Executive Council. The governor-general was still appointed by the British Crown on the advice of the British Cabinet.
The idea of an independent New Zealand sharing the same sovereign as the United Kingdom grew over time. A series of Imperial Conferences from 1917 led to the Balfour Declaration of 1926. This stated that the United Kingdom and the dominions were "equal in status." They were "in no way subordinate to one another." They were "united by a common allegiance to the Crown." The governor-general of New Zealand became the monarch's direct representative.
The Crown was further separated among its dominions by the Statute of Westminster 1931. This British law allowed New Zealand and other dominions to make their own laws. It also required them to agree on changes to monarchical titles and the line of succession. The British Parliament gave up its right to make laws for a dominion, unless the dominion asked. New Zealand approved this Statute in 1947. Until 1967, New Zealand prime ministers still asked the British government for advice on appointing governors-general.
Even though the New Zealand monarchy is now independent, it still has strong ties to the British monarchy. For example, many portraits of earlier English kings and queens are in New Zealand government buildings.
I look forward to continuing to serve to the best of my ability in the years to come. It fills me with great pride to stand before you here today to express my lasting respect and deep affection for this country and for New Zealanders everywhere.
One of the first examples of New Zealand's independent monarchy after World War II was the change to the monarch's title in 1953. For the first time, the official New Zealand title mentioned New Zealand separately. This showed the sovereign's role specifically as king/queen of New Zealand. Elizabeth II's title was Queen of the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Her Other Realms and Territories. The country's official name also changed to the Realm of New Zealand. The Royal Titles Act 1974 later removed the reference to the United Kingdom from the monarch's New Zealand title.
More recently, the Constitution Act 1986 became the main formal statement of New Zealand's constitution. This law formally states that the sovereign (in Right of New Zealand) is New Zealand's head of state. It also states that the governor-general is his representative. Each can generally use all the powers of the other.
List of Monarchs
Here are the seven monarchs who have ruled New Zealand. This includes the British colony of New Zealand from 1840, then the Dominion of New Zealand from 1907, and finally the present-day sovereign state of New Zealand.
| Portrait | Regnal name Te reo (Birth–Death) |
Reign | Full name | Consort | House | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start | End | |||||
 |
Victoria Wikitōria (1819–1901) |
21 May 1840 | 22 January 1901 | Alexandrina Victoria | Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha | Hanover |
| Governors: William Hobson, Robert FitzRoy, Sir George Grey, Thomas Gore Browne, Sir George Ferguson Bowen, Sir George Ferguson Bowen, Marquess of Normanby, Sir Hercules Robinson, Sir Arthur Hamilton-Gordon, Sir William Jervois, Earl of Onslow, Earl of Glasgow, Earl of Ranfurly | ||||||
| Premiers/Prime ministers: Henry Sewell, Sir William Fox, Sir Edward Stafford, Alfred Domett, Sir Frederick Whitaker, Sir Frederick Weld, George Waterhouse, Sir Julius Vogel, Daniel Pollen, Sir Harry Atkinson, Sir George Grey, Sir John Hall, Sir Robert Stout, John Ballance, Richard Seddon | ||||||
 |
Edward VII Eruera te Tuawhitu (1841–1910) |
22 January 1901 | 6 May 1910 | Albert Edward | Alexandra of Denmark | Saxe-Coburg and Gotha |
| Governors: Earl of Ranfurly, Lord Plunket | ||||||
| Prime ministers: Richard Seddon, Sir William Hall-Jones, Sir Joseph Ward | ||||||
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George V Hōri te Tuarima (1865–1936) |
6 May 1910 | 20 January 1936 | George Frederick Ernest Albert | Mary of Teck | Windsor |
| Governors/Governors-general: Lord Plunket, Lord Islington, Earl of Liverpool, Viscount Jellicoe, Sir Charles Fergusson, Lord Bledisloe, Viscount Galway | ||||||
| Prime ministers: Sir Joseph Ward, Sir Thomas Mackenzie, William Massey, Sir Francis Bell, Gordon Coates, George Forbes, Michael Joseph Savage | ||||||
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Edward VIII Eruera te Tuawaru (1894–1972) |
20 January 1936 | 11 December 1936 | Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David | None | Windsor |
| Governor-general: Viscount Galway | ||||||
| Prime minister: Michael Joseph Savage | ||||||
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George VI Hōri te Tuaono (1895–1952) |
11 December 1936 | 6 February 1952 | Albert Frederick Arthur George | Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon | Windsor |
| Governors-general: Viscount Galway, Sir Cyril Newall, Lord Freyberg | ||||||
| Prime ministers: Michael Joseph Savage, Peter Fraser, Sir Sidney Holland | ||||||
 |
Elizabeth II Irihāpeti te Tuarua (1926–2022) |
6 February 1952 | 8 September 2022 | Elizabeth Alexandra Mary | Philip Mountbatten | Windsor |
| Governors-general: Lord Freyberg, Sir Willoughby Norrie, Viscount Cobham, Sir Bernard Fergusson, Sir Arthur Porritt, Sir Denis Blundell, Sir Keith Holyoake, Sir David Beattie, Sir Paul Reeves, Dame Catherine Tizard, Sir Michael Boys, Dame Silvia Cartwright, Sir Anand Satyanand, Sir Jerry Mateparae, Dame Patsy Reddy, Dame Cindy Kiro | ||||||
| NZ prime ministers: Sir Sidney Holland, Sir Keith Holyoake, Sir Walter Nash, Sir Jack Marshall, Norman Kirk, Sir Bill Rowling, Sir Robert Muldoon, David Lange, Sir Geoffrey Palmer, Mike Moore, Jim Bolger, Dame Jenny Shipley, Helen Clark, Sir John Key, Sir Bill English, Dame Jacinda Ardern | ||||||
| Cook Islands premiers/prime ministers: Albert Henry, Sir Thomas Davis, Sir Pupuke Robati, Sir Geoffrey Henry, Joe Williams, Sir Terepai Maoate, Robert Woonton, Jim Marurai, Henry Puna, Mark Brown | ||||||
| Niue premiers: Sir Robert Rex, Young Vivian, Frank Lui, Sani Lakatani, Young Vivian, Sir Toke Talagi, Dalton Tagelagi | ||||||
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Charles III Tiāre te Tuatoru (born 1948) |
8 September 2022 | present | Charles Philip Arthur George | Camilla Shand | Windsor |
| Governors-general: Dame Cindy Kiro | ||||||
| NZ prime ministers: Dame Jacinda Ardern, Chris Hipkins, Christopher Luxon | ||||||
| Cook Islands prime ministers: Mark Brown | ||||||
| Niue premiers/prime ministers: Dalton Tagelagi | ||||||
Timeline of Kings and Queens
See also
- Māori King Movement
- Monarchy in the Cook Islands
- List of Niuean monarchs
- Monarchies in Oceania
- List of monarchies
- Royal Train (New Zealand)
