The House of Representatives is the sole chamber of the New Zealand Parliament. The House passes laws, provides ministers to form Cabinet, and supervises the work of government. It is also responsible for adopting the state's budgets and approving the state's accounts.
Montage of portraits depicting members of the House, the Serjeant-at-Arms, and the Clerk of the House, during the Second Parliament in 1860.
Example of a House of Representatives ballot paper used in MMP elections
The mace is carried into Parliament by the Serjeant-at-Arms during the Opening of the 29th Parliament, 1950
New Zealand Government
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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