New Zealand Parliament facts for kids

Quick facts for kids New Zealand Parliament Pāremata Aotearoa
54th Parliament
Type
Type	Unicameral
Houses	House of Representatives
History
Founded	24 May 1854 (1854-05-24) (first sitting)
Leadership
Monarch	Charles III Since 8 September 2022
Governor-General	Dame Cindy Kiro Since 21 October 2021
Speaker	Gerry Brownlee, National Party Since 5 December 2023
Deputy Speaker	Barbara Kuriger, National Party Since 6 December 2023
Prime Minister	Christopher Luxon, National Party Since 27 November 2023
Leader of the House	Chris Bishop, National Party Since 27 November 2023
Leader of the Opposition	Chris Hipkins, Labour Since 27 November 2023
Structure
Seats	123
House political groups	Government (68)      National (49)      ACT (11)      NZ First (8) Official Opposition (34)      Labour (34) Crossbench (20)      Green (15)      Māori (5) Vacant (1)      Vacant (1)
Length of term	Up to three years
Elections
House voting system	Mixed-member proportional representation
House last election	14 October 2023
House next election	On or before 19 December 2026
Meeting place
Parliament House, Wellington

The New Zealand Parliament (called Pāremata Aotearoa in Māori) is the main law-making body of New Zealand. It includes the King (represented by the Governor-General) and the House of Representatives. Think of it as the place where important decisions for the country are made.

Parliament started in 1854, making it one of the oldest law-making groups still working today. It has been in Wellington, New Zealand's capital, since 1865. The main building it uses today opened in 1922.

The House of Representatives usually has 120 members, called members of Parliament (MPs). These MPs are chosen by people voting in elections. Some MPs are elected directly from different areas (electorates), and others are chosen from party lists based on how many votes their party gets.

Important changes have happened over time. Māori people have had representatives in Parliament since 1867. In 1893, women in New Zealand gained the right to vote, which was a big step! Every three years, there's a new election to choose the MPs.

Parliament is the most powerful government group in New Zealand. It works closely with the government, which includes the Prime Minister and other ministers. These ministers are chosen from the MPs and are responsible to the House of Representatives.

The King (currently King Charles III) and the Governor-General (currently Dame Cindy Kiro) don't make laws themselves. Their job is to officially approve bills that the House of Representatives has passed. This approval is called the royal assent, and it's needed for a bill to become a law. The Governor-General also officially starts and ends each Parliament term, which leads to a new election.

What Does "Parliament" Mean?

The word "Parliament" can mean a few different things in New Zealand:

• The whole law-making system: This includes the King (represented by the Governor-General) and all the elected members in the House of Representatives.
• A specific group of elected MPs: After each election, a new group of MPs is chosen. For example, the current group is called the 54th Parliament. It started on 5 December 2023.
• The buildings where MPs work: "Parliament" can also mean the actual place where MPs meet. This includes the main debating room and all the other buildings where MPs have their offices in Wellington.

The Story of New Zealand's Parliament

How Parliament Started

New Zealand's Parliament is based on the "Westminster system" from the United Kingdom. This system helps make sure that the people, through their elected representatives, have a say in how the country is run. Over many years, this system helped limit the power of kings and queens.

In 1846, British settlers in New Zealand asked for the power to govern themselves. So, in 1852, the British Parliament created the New Zealand Parliament. At first, it had two parts:

• The House of Representatives: Members were elected by voters.
• The Legislative Council: Members were chosen by the Governor.

The very first members of Parliament met in Auckland on 24 May 1854.

When the Upper House Ended

The first Parliament building in Auckland, around 1861

The Legislative Council (the upper house) was meant to check new laws. But over time, it became less important. The government usually controlled both houses, so passing laws through the Council became a simple step. Because of this, the Legislative Council was officially removed on 1 January 1951. Since then, New Zealand's Parliament has had only one house: the House of Representatives.

Early Local Governments

Before 1876, New Zealand also had six local governments called provinces. Each province had its own elected council that could make laws for its area. However, the main Parliament in Wellington could always make laws that applied to the whole country. Over time, the power became more centralised, and these provincial governments were ended in 1876.

Māori Representation in Parliament

New Zealand was one of the first countries to have representatives for its indigenous people in Parliament. Special Māori seats were created in 1867. This meant Māori men aged 21 and over could vote for four Māori MPs. These seats were made permanent in 1876.

In 1893, all Māori, along with all women, gained the right to vote in general elections. Today, Māori can choose to vote and stand as candidates in either the special Māori electorates or the general electorates. In 2002, the number of Māori seats increased to seven.

As of 2023, there were 33 Māori MPs out of 123 in Parliament, representing different political parties. Many Māori leaders play important roles in Parliament today.

Notable Māori MPs include Sir James Carroll, Apirana Ngata, and Matiu Rata. These leaders made significant contributions to New Zealand's history and Māori rights.

New Zealand Becomes Fully Independent

Chamber of the House of Representatives, around 1900–1902

At first, New Zealand's Parliament was connected to the British Parliament. But over many years, New Zealand gained more and more control over its own laws.

In 1947, New Zealand passed a law that gave its Parliament full power over New Zealand laws. Then, in 1986, a new Constitution Act was passed. This law officially removed any remaining power for the British Parliament to make laws for New Zealand. It also officially changed the name of the law-making body to "Parliament."

Political parties became very important in New Zealand from the 1890s. Today, the main political parties are National, Labour, Green, ACT, Te Pāti Māori, and New Zealand First. These parties help shape the government and its decisions.

Making Parliament Welcoming

Parliament has become more welcoming for families over the years. A childcare centre was set up for children of MPs and staff. In 2017, the Speaker of the House made Parliament even more "baby friendly."

In 2021, Parliament also changed its rules about clothing. Ties are no longer compulsory. This change happened after Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi argued for the right to wear traditional Māori business attire.

In 2024, Parliament added "scrutiny weeks." These weeks allow special committees to carefully check how the government plans to spend money. The first scrutiny week in 2024 was held in June, and the second was held in December 2024.

How Powerful is Parliament?

New Zealand's Parliament is very powerful. It is the highest law-making body. This means no other government group can change or overrule its decisions. Once Parliament makes a law, it stands. Even the courts cannot challenge these laws.

Parliament also decides how it runs its own meetings and processes. Some important rules about elections are "entrenched." This means they are harder to change. For example, changing how long a Parliament term lasts, who can vote, or how electorates are drawn needs a special majority of 75% of all MPs, or a public vote (a referendum).

The Role of the King

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at the Opening of Parliament in 1963

The King of New Zealand (currently King Charles III) is part of Parliament. He is represented in New Zealand by the Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro. The King's main role in law-making is to give his official approval, called royal assent, to bills that Parliament has passed. This makes them into laws.

Before MPs can start their work, they must promise loyalty to the King. Even the main opposition party in Parliament is called "His Majesty's Loyal Opposition." This shows the King's important, but mostly symbolic, role in the government.

How Parliament is Organized

The House of Representatives

The crest of the House of Representatives

The House of Representatives is the only part of New Zealand's Parliament that makes laws today. It has been the sole house since 1951. It has 120 members of Parliament (MPs). These MPs are elected for a three-year term.

New Zealand uses a special voting system called Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP). This means:

• Some MPs are elected directly from specific areas called "electorates."
• Other MPs are chosen from party lists, based on how many votes each political party gets overall.

The MPs in the House represent the people, create new laws, and check the government's work. They also form special "select committees" to study different topics or issues.

The Prime Minister and other government ministers are usually chosen from these MPs. The government needs the support of the House to stay in power and to pass its plans and budgets.

No Upper House Today

New Zealand's Parliament does not have an "upper house" anymore. It used to have one called the Legislative Council until 1951. Even though it's gone, the old Legislative Council chamber is still used for special events, like the official Opening of Parliament.

How Long Does Parliament Last?

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at the Opening of Parliament, 13 November 1986

A term of Parliament in New Zealand can last for a maximum of three years. After this time, the Governor-General officially ends Parliament. This leads to a new general election.

Once the election is over and new MPs are chosen, the Governor-General calls Parliament to meet again. New MPs take an oath, and then they choose their Speaker.

Each new Parliament begins with a special event called the "Opening of Parliament." During this ceremony, the Governor-General reads a "Speech from the Throne" on behalf of the King. This speech explains the government's plans and what laws they hope to pass. Sometimes, the King or Queen themselves have opened Parliament, like Queen Elizabeth II did in 1954, 1986, and 1990.

During this ceremony, an official called the "usher of the Black Rod" knocks on the closed doors of the House of Representatives. This is a tradition that shows MPs have the right to control who enters their chamber, even the King or Queen.

How a Bill Becomes a Law

Before a new law is made, it starts as a draft called a bill. Most bills are suggested by the government. Sometimes, individual MPs can also suggest their own bills.

All bills must go through several steps in the House of Representatives before they can become a law:

• First Reading: MPs discuss the main idea of the bill.
• Select Committee: The bill often goes to a special committee. Here, the public can share their opinions, and the committee might suggest changes.
• Second Reading: MPs discuss the bill again, including any changes suggested by the committee.
• Committee of the Whole House: All MPs look at each part of the bill closely and can make more changes.
• Third Reading: MPs have a final debate on the bill. If most MPs vote for it, the bill is passed by the House. If they vote against it, the bill is rejected.

Royal Assent: The Final Step

Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy giving Royal Assent to a bill

After a bill passes its third reading, it goes to the Governor-General. The Governor-General then gives it the royal assent. This is the King's official approval, and it's the final step that turns a bill into an official law. This approval is usually given automatically.

List of Parliaments

Parliament is currently in its 54th term.

See also

In Spanish: Parlamento de Nueva Zelanda para niños

• Constitution of New Zealand
• Independence of New Zealand
• List of legislatures by country
• Lists of statutes of New Zealand
• Politics of New Zealand