Innovative Capital - Government - Wellington

Buzzy Bee sculpture overlooking the Beehive, which houses the ministerial offices

New Zealand is a progressive modern democracy based on the Westminster parliamentary system. The current Prime Minister is Helen Clark, and she heads a centre-left coalition government led by the Labour Party.

As the seat of government, Wellington is the political and intellectual centre of New Zealand, and is concerned with issues that affect New Zealand's relationship with the world. Its citizens are among the most educated and highly skilled in New Zealand - with 40 percent university or tertiary qualified.

New Zealand's government sector ranks extremely highly for integrity and transparency.

The levels of government in New Zealand include:

National government
Regional government
District or city government.

National Government

New Zealand is governed by a Prime Minister, a Cabinet of ministers with key portfolios, and Parliament (or the House of Representatives) including members of the opposition parties.

New Zealand's head of state is Queen Elizabeth II of the UK who is represented here by the Governor General in a mainly ceremonial role. Parliament, the head offices of all government agencies as well as the judiciary are based in Wellington.

General elections are held once every three years. Those eligible to vote are New Zealand citizens and permanent residents who have been here for 12 months or more, aged over 18. If you are eligible, you are required by law to register on the Parliamentary Electoral Roll. However, voting is not compulsory in New Zealand.

Regional Government

Regional councils are responsible for environmental management, flood protection and land management, provision of regional parks, public transport planning and funding, and metropolitan bulk water supply.

In Wellington there is the Greater Wellington Regional Council. Regional elections are held once every three years and eligible voters vote for the candidates whom they want to represent their interests as councillors.

Greater Wellington Regional Council website

District or City Government

District and city councils are responsible for services including library, sports and leisure facilities, museums and art galleries, waste management and building control.

District or city governments in the Wellington region are Wellington City Council, Hutt City Council, Upper Hutt City Council, Porirua City Council, Kapiti Coast District Council, South Wairarapa District Council, Carterton District Council and Masterton District Council. Elections are held every three years, by postal voting.