This book examines New Zealand's constitution, through the lens of constitutional realism. It looks at the practices, habits, conventions and norms of constitutional life. It focuses on the structures, processes and culture that govern the exercise of public power – a perspective that is necessary to explore and account for a lived, rather than textual, constitution. New Zealand's constitution is unique. One of three remaining unwritten democratic constitutions in the world, it is characterised by a charming set of anachronistic contrasts. “Unwritten”, but much found in various written sources. Built on a network of Westminster constitutional conventions but generously tailored to local conditions. Proudly independent, yet perhaps a purer Westminster model than its British parent. Flexible and vulnerable, while oddly enduring. It looks to the centralised authority that comes with a strong executive, strict parliamentary sovereignty, and a unitary state. However, its populace insists on egalitarian values and representative democracy, with elections fiercely conducted nowadays under a system of proportional representation. The interests of indigenous Maori are protected largely through democratic majority rule. A reputation for upholding the rule of law, yet few institutional safeguards to ensure compliance.

Written by constitutional law specialist Bruce Harris, New Zealand Constitution An Analysis in Terms of Principles, is a unique commentary on New Zealand's unwritten constitution. The book, is written around sixteen fundamental principles, on which, in the author's view, the New Zealand constitution is built. The commentary on each principle is used to explain, analyse and critique the complex system of law and conventions that make up the constitution. The objective is to ensure that readers understand the New Zealand constitution as providing the foundation for an integrated system of stable government and an ordered society. This systematic approach to explaining the architecture of the constitution, is based on the authors more than forty years of experience of teaching and researching New Zealand constitutional law. The result is not only a clearly written and highly accessible text explaining the fundamentals of the New Zealand system of government, but also an indispensable learning tool for law students studying public law, political studies students, legal practitioners, judges, members of parliament, persons working in government and members of the community generally.

New Zealand needs a constitution that is easy to understand, reflects our shared identity and nationhood, protects rights and liberties, and prevents governments from abusing power. The current constitution is vague, jumbled and unclear. It can be easily overridden or changed according to political whim. This book aims to change that. It proposes a modern, codified constitution that is accessible and clear, and it aims to stimulate debate about who we are as a nation and how we should be governed--so we can forge enduring arrangements now, instead of waiting for a crisis to force our hand. While A Constitution for Aotearoa New Zealand proposes some important changes, it is at pains to preserve the sound elements of our past and our unique constitutional culture. The authors conclude by seeking your feedback on their proposals, which will be reflected in a second edition to be published in 2017. Ultimately this book is an impassioned plea for government to be transparent, accountable, responsive, and reflect the values of all New Zealanders.

CONSTITUTIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW IN NEW ZEALAND, 3rd edition is the authoritative text on public law in New Zealand. It is an essential reference for law students, legal practitioners, in-house counsel and public sector advisors. This edition represents a thorough revision of materials that explicate developments since 2001, when the second edition was published. It covers the entire range of subjects that map modern public law. This edition continues the high scholarly standards, ease of reference and readability of the previous editions. The author, Philip A Joseph, is an acknowledged authority on New Zealand constitutional and administrative law.

This volume is the first to explore the vibrant history of Magna Carta in Aotearoa New Zealand’s legal, political and popular culture. Readers will benefit from in-depth analyses of the Charter’s reception along with explorations of its roles in regard to larger constitutional themes. The common thread that binds the collection together is its exploration of what the adoption of a medieval charter as part of New Zealand’s constitutional arrangements has meant – and might mean – for a Pacific nation whose identity remains in flux. The contributions to this volume are grouped around three topics: remembrance and memorialization of Magna Carta; the reception of the Charter by both Māori and non-Māori between 1840 and 2015; and reflection on the roles that the Charter may yet play in future constitutional debate. This collection provides evidence of the enduring attraction of Magna Carta, and its importance as a platform of constitutional aspiration.

New Zealand is a democratic constitutional monarchy, one of Queen Elizabeth II's sixteen realms. This book provides a comprehensive account of how the Queen, the Governor-General and the Crown interact with our democratically-elected leaders under New Zealand's unwritten constitution.The authors explain how these islands in the South Pacific were first brought within Queen Victoria's dominions, the arrangements then made for their future government, and how those arrangements developed over time with the pressure for democracy and responsible government to become New Zealand's current constitution. They discuss the responsibilities of, and interactions between, the key office-holders: the Sovereign herself; her representative, the Governor-General; the impersonal and perpetual Crown, and the Prime Minister, other Ministers and Members of Parliament. All of them affect in some way the government which runs the country day to day. In an afterword, the authors examine some of the key issues to be considered should New Zealand become a republic.The parliamentary democracy that we take for granted can conceal New Zealand's ultimate constitutional underpinnings in the monarchy. But, as the authors make clear, the monarchy's continuing role in New Zealand's constitution is significant. And understanding the roles of the Queen, the Governor-General and the Crown will be critical as we look forward to debates about the possibility of a republic in New Zealand.

Written in a lively style, the commentary contains a detailed analysis of this short, but important piece of constitutional legislation. To make it as accessible to readers as possible each chapter of the book follows a pattern of outlining similar provisions in comparable human rights systems (domestic and international), discussing the purposes of each right or provision in issue, engaging in a detailed examination of the meaning of the text of each provision, examining the extent to which justified limits can be placed on guaranteed rights and freedoms, and concluding by considering issues related to remedies where relevant.

New Zealand is one of the world's oldest democracies for men and women, Maori and Pakeha, with one of the highest political participation rates. But—from MMP to leadership primaries, spin doctors to "dirty politics"—the country's political system is undergoing rapid change. Examining the constitution and the political system, cabinet and parliament, political parties, leadership, and elections, Raymond Miller draws on data and analysis (including from the 2014 election) to tackle critical questions: Who runs New Zealand? Does political apathy threaten democracy? Will new parties have an ongoing impact? Do we now have a presidential democracy?

This is an authoritative book on the New Zealand constitution. This new edition is updated to reflect New Zealand's experience of the MMP system of proportional representation.

A complete account of the political system in New Zealand: how parliament works, how laws are made, how the electoral system works, and other topics.