Prime Minister of New Zealand

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon gives his oath

New Zealand Cabinet October 2017

Premier House, Wellington 3

Henry Sewell, ca 1872

RichardSeddon1905

John Key Helen Clark handshake

Prime Minister of New Zealand is the head of government in New Zealand. The Prime Minister (PM) plays a central role in the administration of the government, overseeing the operation of the Cabinet and the public service. The position is considered to be the highest office in New Zealand.

History

The office of the Prime Minister of New Zealand was officially established in 1856, making it one of the oldest such offices in the world. Originally, the head of government was known as the "Colonial Secretary," but this was later changed to "Premier." The title "Prime Minister" was officially adopted in the early 20th century. The first Premier of New Zealand was Henry Sewell, although James FitzGerald is also sometimes considered the de facto first Premier due to his role in leading the executive in the first New Zealand government.

Appointment

The Prime Minister is appointed by the Governor-General of New Zealand. By convention, the Governor-General appoints the leader of the political party or coalition with the majority support in the New Zealand House of Representatives to this position. The Prime Minister must maintain the confidence of the House to remain in office.

Powers and Responsibilities

The Prime Minister's powers and responsibilities are both formal and informal. Formally, the PM advises the Governor-General on the appointment of Cabinet ministers, presides over Cabinet meetings, and represents New Zealand both domestically and internationally. Informally, the Prime Minister is expected to be a leader in policy and decision-making, guiding the legislative agenda of the government.

Role in Government

The role of the Prime Minister in New Zealand's government is pivotal. As head of the Cabinet, the PM coordinates the work of the government, sets policy priorities, and ensures the implementation of legislative programs. The Prime Minister also plays a significant role in national security and crisis management.

List of Prime Ministers

New Zealand has had numerous Prime Ministers since the establishment of the office. Some of the most notable include Michael Joseph Savage, who was instrumental in the development of the welfare state; Jacinda Ardern, known for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Christchurch mosque shootings; and Robert Muldoon, known for his economic policies and leadership style.

Current Prime Minister

As of the last update, the current Prime Minister of New Zealand is Jacinda Ardern. Ardern has been in office since 2017 and is known for her progressive policies, leadership style, and emphasis on issues such as climate change, child welfare, and mental health.

See Also

• Politics of New Zealand
• Government of New Zealand
• Cabinet of New Zealand
• Governor-General of New Zealand