Ministers in the New Zealand Government
Ministers in the New Zealand Government are members of Parliament (MPs) who hold ministerial warrants from the Crown to perform certain functions of government. This includes formulating and implementing policies and advising the governor-general. Ministers collectively make up the executive branch of the New Zealand state. The governor-general is obliged to follow the advice of the prime minister on the appointment and dismissal of ministers.
Ministers of Peter Fraser's war cabinet, 1941
The Governor-General, Sir Jerry Mateparae, signs the warrants for new ministers of the Crown, January 2013
Ministers of the Coalition Cabinet, 1931
The New Zealand Government is the central government through which political authority is exercised in New Zealand. As in most other parliamentary democracies, the term "Government" refers chiefly to the executive branch, and more specifically to the collective ministry directing the executive. Based on the principle of responsible government, it operates within the framework that "the [King] reigns, but the government rules, so long as it has the support of the House of Representatives". The Cabinet Manual describes the main laws, rules and conventions affecting the conduct and operation of the Government.
The Beehive, Wellington, is the seat of government (i.e. headquarters of the executive branch)
Queen Elizabeth II and her New Zealand Cabinet, photographed during the Queen's 1981 tour of the country
Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro appoints new ministers during a public meeting of the Executive Council in Government House, Wellington, 1 February 2023
The ministers of the Sixth National Government, with Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, 27 November 2023