Lecture Notes on the Executive Branch and Public Service in New Zealand

Vocabulary flashcards on the executive branch and public service.

The Executive

Branch of government traced back to Montesquieu's separation of powers, acting as 'The Executor of Public Resolutions' and providing 'Direction'.

The Crown

The Body Corporate of the State of New Zealand; its powers are exercised by the Ministers of the day.

Dignified Constitution

Maintains its external cloak and refers to the Monarch (Governor-General) whose role is now limited by convention.

Monarch (Governor-General)

Role now very limited by convention - Appointment of Ministers and 'protector of democratic constitution'.

Executive Council

Advises the Governor-General, comprised of Ministers of the Crown, providing Ministers with Executive powers, and functions as an Executive Law Making body (Orders in Council).

Efficient Executive

Divided into two elements: Direction (Political Executive - Ministers, Cabinet, Prime Minister) and Administration.

Prime Minister

The Head of Government in New Zealand, controlling a majority in Parliament, and appointed Ministers. Formal powers the Power to Call an Election and to Appoint Ministers

Ministers

Appointed by the Prime Minister, holding policy responsibilities, portfolios (e.g., Health, Education), and responsible for Acts, Bills, and the Public Sector.

Cabinet

Operates through the principle of Collective Responsibility, making collective decisions that all members are bound to follow.

Royal Prerogative

Power that inherently lies with the crown, often used for secondary legislation through powers delegated by Parliament.

Ministerial Responsibility Buckle

Ministers are responsible to Parliament for all things that fall within their portfolios, including the Public Sector.

Parliamentary Mechanisms

Include Question Times, Debates, and Select Committees for political accountability.

Select Committees

Can investigate any matter within their remit, examine government performance, and call witnesses.

Regulation Review Committee

Examines secondary legislation created by the executive branch, ensuring statutory power, clarity, and lack of unusual or retrospective elements.

Public Sector

Includes the State Sector, Public Service, SOEs, Crown Entities, other Public Entities, and Local Government.

Public Service Act 1912

Draws upon the British Model. Creates an Independent Public Service where Ministers were no longer involved in the appointment.

Crisis of 1984

Economic decline in NZ led to free market reforms, removal of import controls, and maximization of public efficiency.

State Services Act 1988

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

Public Finance Act 1989

Ensures financial transparency and sets financial targets.

State Owned Enterprises Act 1986

Removed state owned companies from the public service.

Public Service Act 2020

Chief Executives appointed for all agencies and departments with a finite 5 year term and acts in accordance with the Act.

Public Service Commission

Institution of the central services. Responsible for employer of the CE's, recommends appointment of CE's and Monitors SOI & Outputs.

State Owned Enterprises (SOEs)

Enterprises Owned and operated by the state. Managed by the SOE Act 1986. Interests invested in the Minister Of SOEs and the Minister of Finance.

Crown Entities

The Quango (Quasi Atonomous (Non) Governmental Organisations) - Bodies created by the Crown and exercise power on behalf of the Crown.

Technical Accountability

Largrly managed by Public Finance Act; 3 main points: Inputs, Outputs and Outcomes. Strategic Intentions, Output Plans and Targets

Goodhart's Law

Any observed statistical regularity will tend to collapse once pressure is place upon it for control purposes. When a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure

Rankin 2020 Reform Principles(Public Services Act)

A more holistically unified public service. Strengthening of the Maori/Crown relationship - Te Ao Tumatanui. Changes to Employment.