The NZ Executive

Flashcards based on lecture notes about the Crown, Executive Branch, and Public Service in New Zealand.

The Crown

Body corporate of the state of NZ, usually utilized by the executive.

Dignified Constitution

Externally, the British Constitution maintains its external cloak; internally, it is efficient.

Dignified Executive

Monarch (Governor-General), with a role now very limited by convention.

Efficient Executive

Divided into two elements: Direction and Administration.

Executive Council Law Making

Uses Orders in Council based on powers designated by Parliament to create laws, often a formality following Cabinet decisions.

The Prime Minister

Head of Government in NZ, controls a majority in Parliament through party leadership and influence.

Cabinet

Operates through Collective Responsibility - once a decision is made, all members are bound to follow it.

Secondary Legislation

Laws made through powers delegated by Parliament to the Executive Branch.

Public Service Act 1912

Created an Independent Public Service, removing ministers from the appointment process and delegating it to the Public Service Commissioner.

State Services Act 1988

Introduced New Public Management principles, breaking up the single Public Service.

Public Finance Act 1989

Sets out the financial framework for the executive with aims of financial transparency and targets.

State Owned Enterprises Act 1984

Removed state owned companies from the public service.

Public Service Act 2020

Defines terms for Chief Executives in all agencies and departments, acting in accordance with the PSA.

Decoupling

Separation of policy, service agreements, and service provision within the public sector (e.g., Health).

State Owned Enterprises (SOEs)

Enterprises owned and operated by the state, managed by the SOE Act 1986, with interests invested in the Minister of SOEs and the Minister of Finance.

Crown Entities

Quasi-Autonomous Non-Governmental Organizations (QuANGOs) created by the Crown, exercising power on behalf of the Crown.

Ministerial Responsibility

A convention where ministers are responsible to Parliament for all things within their portfolios.

Regulation Review Committee

Examines secondary legislation created by the executive branch for statutory power, clarity, and other factors.

Political Accountability

Accountability of the Executive to the Parliament through mechanisms like Question Time, Debates, and Select Committees.

Technical Accountability

Accountability managed by the Public Finance Act, including Inputs, Outputs, and Outcomes.