Realm of New Zealand

New_Zealand_(+associated),_administrative_divisions_-_Nmbrs_-_monochrome

Realm of New Zealand

The Realm of New Zealand is a unique political entity that includes New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, and the Ross Dependency in Antarctica. It is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy, and it is part of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Components of the Realm

The Realm of New Zealand consists of several distinct territories:

• New Zealand: The main part of the Realm, comprising the North Island, South Island, and numerous smaller islands.
• Cook Islands: A self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand.
• Niue: Another self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand.
• Tokelau: A dependent territory of New Zealand.
• Ross Dependency: A region of Antarctica claimed by New Zealand.

Government and Politics

The Realm of New Zealand operates under a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. The monarch is the head of state, represented in New Zealand by the Governor-General. Each of the associated states and territories has its own political structure:

• New Zealand: Governed by the Parliament of New Zealand and the Prime Minister.
• Cook Islands: Governed by the Parliament of the Cook Islands and the Prime Minister.
• Niue: Governed by the Niue Assembly and the Premier.
• Tokelau: Governed by the General Fono and the Ulu-o-Tokelau.

Legal System

The legal systems within the Realm of New Zealand vary:

• New Zealand: Follows the New Zealand legal system, which is based on English common law.
• Cook Islands: Has its own legal system, which incorporates elements of New Zealand law.
• Niue: Also has its own legal system, influenced by New Zealand law.
• Tokelau: Operates under a legal system that includes customary law and New Zealand law.
• Ross Dependency: Governed by the Antarctic Treaty System.

Defense and Foreign Relations

New Zealand is responsible for the defense and foreign affairs of the entire Realm. The New Zealand Defence Force provides military protection, and New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade handles international relations.

Related Pages

• New Zealand
• Cook Islands
• Niue
• Tokelau
• Ross Dependency
• Commonwealth of Nations
• Monarchy of New Zealand
• Governor-General of New Zealand
• Parliament of New Zealand
• Prime Minister of New Zealand
• New Zealand Defence Force
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (New Zealand)