Background reading · Social Sciences
How Parliament makes a law
Three branches of government, where ordinary people get a say, and how Treaty settlements become law.
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
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. Every Treaty settlement, such as the Parihaka Reconciliation Act 2019, goes through these same steps.
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. A good submission is short, says clearly what you want changed, and gives evidence and reasons. Select committees often hear from young people, and some have changed bills because of what students told them.
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. That is one reason people still debate what te Tiriti means for how power is shared.
Sources and further reading
Written for Kōkiri Learn students in our own words. Check facts against the sources.