From the 1990s New Zealand's anti-nuclear position has become a key element of government policy (irrespective of party) and of the country's "distinctive political identity". ==History== Prior to New Zealand becoming a British colony in 1840, politics in New Zealand was dominated by Māori chiefs as leaders of [and
Local government is established by statute, with the first Municipal Corporations Act having been passed by the Legislative Council in 1842.
The Constitution Act in 1852 established the system of government and these were later consolidated in 1986.
However, Māori may choose to vote in and to run for the non-reserved electorates and for the party list (since 1996), and as a result many have now entered Parliament outside of the reserved seats. === Elections and party politics === The first political party in New Zealand was founded in 1891, and its main rival was founded in 1909—New Zealand had a de facto two-party system from that point until the adoption of MMP in 1996.
However, Māori may choose to vote in and to run for the non-reserved electorates and for the party list (since 1996), and as a result many have now entered Parliament outside of the reserved seats. === Elections and party politics === The first political party in New Zealand was founded in 1891, and its main rival was founded in 1909—New Zealand had a de facto two-party system from that point until the adoption of MMP in 1996.
No party was able to govern without support from other groups from 1996 until 2020, making coalition government standard. Historically the two largest, and oldest, parties are the New Zealand Labour Party (centre-left, formed in 1916) and the New Zealand National Party (centre-right, formed in 1936).
The elections since 1935 have been dominated by two political parties, National and Labour. Criticism of the FPP system began in the 1950s and intensified after Labour lost elections in and despite having more overall votes than National.
No party was able to govern without support from other groups from 1996 until 2020, making coalition government standard. Historically the two largest, and oldest, parties are the New Zealand Labour Party (centre-left, formed in 1916) and the New Zealand National Party (centre-right, formed in 1936).
The New Zealand monarchy has been distinct from the British monarchy since the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act 1947, and all Elizabeth II's official business in New Zealand is conducted in the name of the "Queen of New Zealand".
A judge may not be removed from office except by the attorney-general upon an address of the House of Representatives for proved misbehaviour. New Zealand law has three principal sources: English common law, certain statutes of the United Kingdom Parliament enacted before 1947 (notably the Bill of Rights 1689), and statutes of the New Zealand Parliament.
The elections since 1935 have been dominated by two political parties, National and Labour. Criticism of the FPP system began in the 1950s and intensified after Labour lost elections in and despite having more overall votes than National.
Before 1951 there was a second chamber, the Legislative Council.
The country rates highly for civic participation in the political process, with 80% voter turnout during recent elections, compared with the average of 68%. Since the 1970s, New Zealand has shown a more socially liberal outlook.
The anti-apartheid movement in the 1970s and 1980s, protests against French nuclear testing at Moruroa atoll in the 1970s, and popular support for New Zealand's anti-nuclear policy in the 1980s are manifestations of this.
The anti-apartheid movement in the 1970s and 1980s, protests against French nuclear testing at Moruroa atoll in the 1970s, and popular support for New Zealand's anti-nuclear policy in the 1980s are manifestations of this.
The Constitution Act in 1852 established the system of government and these were later consolidated in 1986.
Despite the 1986 rupture in the ANZUS military alliance (as a result of New Zealand's nuclear-free policy), New Zealand has maintained good working relations with the United States and Australia on a broad array of international issues. ==Political culture== Political change in New Zealand has been very gradual and pragmatic, rather than revolutionary.
Beginning with the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1986, successive governments have progressively increased the protection of LGBT rights, culminating in the legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2013.
Constitutional rights are protected under common law and are strengthened by the Bill of Rights Act 1990 and Human Rights Act 1993, although these are not entrenched and can be overturned by Parliament with a simple majority.
From the 1990s New Zealand's anti-nuclear position has become a key element of government policy (irrespective of party) and of the country's "distinctive political identity". ==History== Prior to New Zealand becoming a British colony in 1840, politics in New Zealand was dominated by Māori chiefs as leaders of [and
An indicative (non-binding) referendum to change the voting system was held in 1992, which led to a binding referendum during the .
Constitutional rights are protected under common law and are strengthened by the Bill of Rights Act 1990 and Human Rights Act 1993, although these are not entrenched and can be overturned by Parliament with a simple majority.
As a result, New Zealand has used the mixed-member proportional (MMP) system since 1996.
However, Māori may choose to vote in and to run for the non-reserved electorates and for the party list (since 1996), and as a result many have now entered Parliament outside of the reserved seats. === Elections and party politics === The first political party in New Zealand was founded in 1891, and its main rival was founded in 1909—New Zealand had a de facto two-party system from that point until the adoption of MMP in 1996.
No party was able to govern without support from other groups from 1996 until 2020, making coalition government standard. Historically the two largest, and oldest, parties are the New Zealand Labour Party (centre-left, formed in 1916) and the New Zealand National Party (centre-right, formed in 1936).
Local governance is currently defined by the Local Government Act 2002. Local elections are held every three years to elect regional, city and district councillors (including mayors); community board members; and district health board members. ==Foreign relations== New Zealand maintains a network of 29 embassies and 99 consulates abroad and holds relations with about 150 countries.
The Opposition within Parliament helps to hold the Government to account. ==Judiciary== The New Zealand judiciary has four basic levels of courts: The Supreme Court; the Court of Appeal; the High Court; and the District Court (including the Youth Court). The Supreme Court was established in 2004, under the Supreme Court Act 2003, and replaced the Privy Council in London as New Zealand's court of last resort.
The Opposition within Parliament helps to hold the Government to account. ==Judiciary== The New Zealand judiciary has four basic levels of courts: The Supreme Court; the Court of Appeal; the High Court; and the District Court (including the Youth Court). The Supreme Court was established in 2004, under the Supreme Court Act 2003, and replaced the Privy Council in London as New Zealand's court of last resort.
Beginning with the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1986, successive governments have progressively increased the protection of LGBT rights, culminating in the legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2013.
Other ministers are appointed by the governor-general upon the advice of the prime minister, and are all accountable to Parliament. The Economist Intelligence Unit rated New Zealand as a "full democracy" in 2016.
Ardern is New Zealand's third female head of government, and has been in office since 2017. , the National Party has formed the Official Opposition to the Labour-led government.
New Zealand is regarded as one of the most honest countries in the world, and it was ranked first in the world in 2017 for lowest perceived level of corruption by the organisation Transparency International.
No party was able to govern without support from other groups from 1996 until 2020, making coalition government standard. Historically the two largest, and oldest, parties are the New Zealand Labour Party (centre-left, formed in 1916) and the New Zealand National Party (centre-right, formed in 1936).
Since 2020, the Labour Party holds a majority of seats in the House—this is exceptional as majorities are atypical in New Zealand's political system—and forms the Sixth Labour Government, led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
In 2020, an Abortion Legislation Act, that further decriminalised abortion, was supported by members from all parties in Parliament. The idea of serving as a moral example to the world has been an important element of New Zealand national identity.
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