Kōkiri Learn

Background reading · Social Sciences

How Parliament makes a law

Three branches of government, and where ordinary people get a say.

Power in New Zealand is shared so no single person or group holds all of it. This is called the separation of powers.

Three branches

  • The Legislature (Parliament) makes laws. MPs are elected under MMP.
  • The Executive (the Prime Minister, ministers and government departments) runs the country and carries out laws.
  • The Judiciary (the courts and judges) decides what laws mean and whether they have been followed.

    • A bill becomes a law

    A proposed law is called a bill. It is introduced, debated, and then usually sent to a select committee, a small group of MPs from different parties. The committee invites submissions from anyone, then reports back with changes. After more debates and votes, the Governor-General signs it and it becomes an Act.

    Where you fit

    Anyone, including students, can make a submission to a select committee or start a petition. Councils also consult on local decisions like parks, pools and roads.

    No single written constitution

    New Zealand's constitution is spread across many laws, conventions and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, not one document like the United States Constitution.

    Sources and further reading

    Written for Kōkiri Learn students in our own words. Check facts against the sources.

    Used in: Mana Motuhake: Power, Decisions and People