New Zealand

==Government and politics==
{{Main|New Zealand Government|Politics of New Zealand}}
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| direction         = horizontal
| total_width       = 350
| image1            = King Charles III (July 2023).jpg
| alt1              = The King wearing a pinstripe suit
| caption1          = [[Charles III]],<br> [[Monarchy of New Zealand|King of New Zealand]]
| image2            = Cindy Kiro October 2021 (cropped).jpg
| alt2              = A woman wearing medals
| caption2          = [[Cindy Kiro]], [[Governor-General of New Zealand]]
| image3            = Christopher Luxon (52535372229) (cropped).jpg
| alt3              = A smiling man wearing a dark business suit and tie
| caption3          = [[Christopher Luxon]], [[Prime Minister of New Zealand]]
}}

New Zealand is a [[constitutional monarchy]] with a [[parliamentary democracy]],<ref name="GG constitution">{{cite web |title=New Zealand's Constitution |url=http://www.gg.govt.nz/role/constofnz.htm |publisher=Office of the Governor-General of New Zealand |access-date=13 January 2010 |archive-date=6 April 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030406104325/http://www.gg.govt.nz/role/constofnz.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> although [[Constitution of New Zealand|its constitution]] is [[Uncodified constitution|not codified]].<ref name="Economist factsheet">{{cite news |title=Factsheet – New Zealand – Political Forces |newspaper=[[The Economist]] |date=15 February 2005 |url= http://economist.com/countries/NewZealand/profile.cfm?folder=Profile-Political%20Forces |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060514204533/http://economist.com/countries/NewZealand/profile.cfm?folder=Profile-Political%20Forces |archive-date=14 May 2006 |access-date=4 August 2009}}</ref> [[Charles III]] is the [[king of New Zealand]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Royal Titles Act 1974 |at=Section 1 |url=http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1974/0001/latest/DLM411814.html |date=February 1974 |publisher=[[New Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office]] |access-date=8 January 2011 |archive-date=20 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081020151758/http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1974/0001/latest/DLM411814.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and thus the [[head of state]].<ref>{{Cite book |date=1 January 1987 |title=Constitution Act 1986 |at=Section 2.1 |publisher=[[New Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office]] |url=http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0114/latest/whole.html#DLM94210 |quote=The Sovereign in right of New Zealand is the head of State of New Zealand, and shall be known by the royal style and titles proclaimed from time to time. |access-date=15 July 2018 |archive-date=23 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223071437/http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0114/latest/whole.html#DLM94210 |url-status=live }}</ref> The king is represented by the [[Governor-General of New Zealand|governor-general]], whom he appoints on the [[Advice (constitutional)|advice]] of the [[Prime Minister of New Zealand|prime minister]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The Role of the Governor-General |date=27 February 2017 |url=https://gg.govt.nz/role |publisher=Office of the Governor-General of New Zealand |access-date=6 July 2017 |archive-date=29 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629234409/https://gg.govt.nz/role |url-status=live }}</ref> The governor-general can exercise [[the Crown]]'s [[prerogative powers]], such as reviewing cases of injustice and making appointments of [[Ministers in the New Zealand Government|ministers]], ambassadors, and other key public officials,<ref>{{cite journal |first=Bruce |last=Harris |title=Replacement of the Royal Prerogative in New Zealand |date=2009 |work=New Zealand Universities Law Review |volume=23 |pages=285–314 |url= https://www.britannica.com/bps/additionalcontent/18/41876855/REPLACEMENT-OF-THE-ROYAL-PREROGATIVE-IN-NEW-ZEALAND |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110718005846/https://www.britannica.com/bps/additionalcontent/18/41876855/REPLACEMENT-OF-THE-ROYAL-PREROGATIVE-IN-NEW-ZEALAND |archive-date=18 July 2011 |access-date=28 August 2016}}</ref> and in rare situations, the [[reserve power]]s (e.g. the power to dissolve Parliament or refuse the [[royal assent]] of a [[bill (law)|bill]] into law).<ref name="reserve Powers">{{cite web |title=The Reserve Powers |publisher=Office of the Governor-General of New Zealand |url=http://www.gg.govt.nz/role/powers.htm |access-date=8 January 2011 |archive-date=7 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707155415/https://www.gg.govt.nz/role/powers.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The powers of the monarch and the governor-general are limited by constitutional constraints, and they cannot normally be exercised without the advice of ministers.<ref name="reserve Powers" />

The [[New Zealand Parliament]] holds [[legislative power]] and consists of the king and the [[New Zealand House of Representatives|House of Representatives]].<ref name="parliament facts">{{cite web |title=Parliament Brief: What is Parliament? |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/how-parliament-works/fact-sheets/pbrief7/ |access-date=30 November 2016 |archive-date=29 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029145006/https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/how-parliament-works/fact-sheets/pbrief7/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It also included an upper house, the [[New Zealand Legislative Council|Legislative Council]], until this was abolished in 1950.<ref name="parliament facts" /> The [[supremacy of parliament]] over the Crown and other government institutions was established in England by the [[Bill of Rights 1689]] and has been ratified as law in New Zealand.<ref name="parliament facts" /> The House of Representatives is democratically elected, and a government is formed from the party or [[Coalition government|coalition]] with the majority of seats. If no majority is formed, a [[minority government]] can be formed if support from other parties during [[confidence and supply]] votes is assured.<ref name="parliament facts" /> The governor-general appoints ministers under advice from the prime minister, who is by [[Constitutional convention (political custom)|convention]] the [[parliamentary leader]] of the governing party or coalition.<ref>{{cite book |last1=McLean |first1=Gavin |chapter=Premiers and prime ministers |chapter-url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/premiers-and-prime-ministers |title=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |date=February 2015 |access-date=30 November 2016 |archive-date=17 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517231343/http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/premiers-and-prime-ministers |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Cabinet of New Zealand|Cabinet]], formed by ministers and led by the prime minister, is the highest policy-making body in government and responsible for deciding significant government actions.<ref>{{cite book |first=John |last=Wilson |chapter=Government and nation – System of government |title=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |date=November 2010 |chapter-url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/government-and-nation/4 |access-date=9 January 2011 |archive-date=16 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110516022855/http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/government-and-nation/4 |url-status=live }}</ref> Members of Cabinet make major decisions collectively and are therefore [[Cabinet collective responsibility|collectively responsible]] for the consequences of these decisions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Principles of Cabinet decision making |publisher=Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet |work=[[Cabinet Manual (New Zealand)|Cabinet Manual]] |date=2008 |url=http://www.cabinetmanual.cabinetoffice.govt.nz/5.11 |access-date=1 December 2016 |archive-date=20 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220080943/http://www.cabinetmanual.cabinetoffice.govt.nz/5.11 |url-status=live }}</ref> The 42nd and current prime minister, since 27 November 2023, is [[Christopher Luxon]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Christopher Luxon sworn in as New Zealand's new prime minister |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/27/christopher-luxon-sworn-in-as-new-zealands-new-prime-minister/ |access-date=27 November 2023 |agency=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=27 November 2023 |archive-date=27 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127001802/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/27/christopher-luxon-sworn-in-as-new-zealands-new-prime-minister/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Seddon Statue in Parliament Grounds.jpg|thumb|A statue of [[Richard Seddon]], the "[[Beehive (New Zealand)|Beehive]]" (Executive Wing), and [[Parliament House, Wellington|Parliament House]] (right), in Parliament Grounds, [[Wellington]]|alt=A block of buildings fronted by a large statue.]]

A [[Elections in New Zealand|parliamentary general election]] must be called no later than three years after the previous election.<ref>{{cite web |title=The electoral cycle |url=https://cabinetmanual.cabinetoffice.govt.nz/6.2 |publisher=Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet |work=Cabinet Manual |access-date=30 April 2017 |date=2008 |archive-date=27 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127135132/https://www.cabinetmanual.cabinetoffice.govt.nz/6.2 |url-status=live }}</ref> Almost all general elections between {{NZ election link year|1853}} and {{NZ election link year|1993}} were held under the [[first-past-the-post voting]] system.<ref>{{cite web |title=First past the post – the road to MMP |url=http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/politics/fpp-to-mmp/first-past-the-post |publisher=[[New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage]] |date=September 2009 |access-date=9 January 2011 |archive-date=1 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100701152057/http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/politics/fpp-to-mmp/first-past-the-post |url-status=live }}</ref> Since the {{NZ election link|1996}}, a form of [[proportional representation]] called [[mixed-member proportional]] (MMP) has been used.<ref name="Economist factsheet" /> Under the MMP system, each person has two votes; one is for a candidate standing in the voter's [[New Zealand electorates|electorate]], and the other is for a party. Based on the 2018 census data, there are 72 electorates (which include seven [[Māori electorates]] in which only Māori can optionally vote),<ref>{{cite web |title=Number of electorates and electoral populations: 2018 Census |url=https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/number-of-electorates-and-electoral-populations-2018-census |work=Stats.Govt.nz |publisher=[[Statistics New Zealand]] |access-date=9 March 2021 |date=23 September 2019 |archive-date=13 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213201633/https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/number-of-electorates-and-electoral-populations-2018-census |url-status=live }}</ref> and the remaining 48 of the 120 seats are assigned so that representation in Parliament reflects the party vote, with the threshold that a party must win at least one electorate or 5% of the total party vote before it is eligible for a seat.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.elections.org.nz/voting-system/mmp-voting-system/sainte-lagu%C3%AB-allocation-formula |title=Sainte-Laguë allocation formula |publisher=[[Electoral Commission (New Zealand)|Electoral Commission]] |date=4 February 2013 |access-date=31 May 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130914170452/http://www.elections.org.nz/voting-system/mmp-voting-system/sainte-lagu%C3%AB-allocation-formula |archive-date=14 September 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Elections since the 1930s have been dominated by two [[List of political parties in New Zealand|political parties]], [[New Zealand National Party|National]] and [[New Zealand Labour Party|Labour]]. More parties have been represented in Parliament since the introduction of MMP.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |last1=Curtin |first1=Jennifer |last2=Miller |first2=Raymond |author1-link=Jennifer Curtin |title=Political parties |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/political-parties |encyclopedia=Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand |access-date=24 July 2023 |date=21 July 2015 |archive-date=17 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230617000229/https://teara.govt.nz/en/political-parties |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Judiciary of New Zealand|New Zealand's judiciary]], headed by the [[Chief Justice of New Zealand|chief justice]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Role of the Chief Justice |url=https://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/about-the-judiciary/role-judges/role-chief |publisher=Courts of New Zealand |access-date=9 June 2018 |archive-date=25 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325090353/https://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/about-the-judiciary/role-judges/role-chief |url-status=live }}</ref> includes the [[Supreme Court of New Zealand|Supreme Court]], [[Court of Appeal of New Zealand|Court of Appeal]], the [[High Court of New Zealand|High Court]], and subordinate courts.<ref>{{cite web |title=Structure of the court system |url=https://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/about-the-judiciary/structure-of-the-court-system |publisher=Courts of New Zealand |access-date=9 June 2018 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142935/https://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/about-the-judiciary/structure-of-the-court-system |url-status=live }}</ref> Judges and judicial officers are appointed non-politically and under strict rules regarding tenure to help maintain [[judicial independence]].<ref name="Economist factsheet" /> This theoretically allows the judiciary to interpret the law based solely on the legislation enacted by Parliament without other influences on their decisions.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.justice.govt.nz/courts/the-judiciary |title=The Judiciary |publisher=[[Minister of Justice (New Zealand)|Ministry of Justice]] |access-date=9 January 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101124005516/http://justice.govt.nz/courts/the-judiciary |archive-date=24 November 2010}}</ref>

New Zealand is identified as one of the world's most stable and well-governed states.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fragile States Index Heat Map |url=https://fragilestatesindex.org/analytics/fsi-heat-map/ |access-date=18 August 2020 |work=Fragile States Index |archive-date=14 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814135705/https://fragilestatesindex.org/analytics/fsi-heat-map/ |url-status=live }}</ref> {{As of|2017|post=,}} the country was ranked fourth in the strength of its democratic institutions,<ref>{{cite web |title=Democracy Index 2017 |url=http://pages.eiu.com/rs/753-RIQ-438/images/Democracy_Index_2017.pdf |publisher=[[Economist Intelligence Unit]] |access-date=9 December 2018 |page=5 |date=2018 |archive-date=18 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218215442/http://pages.eiu.com/rs/753-RIQ-438/images/Democracy_Index_2017.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> and first in government transparency and [[Corruption in New Zealand|lack of corruption]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Corruption Perceptions Index 2017 |url=https://www.transparency.org/news/feature/corruption_perceptions_index_2017 |publisher=[[Transparency International]] |access-date=9 December 2018 |date=21 February 2018 |archive-date=21 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221190927/https://www.transparency.org/news/feature/corruption_perceptions_index_2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[LGBT rights in New Zealand|LGBT rights]] in the nation are also recognised as among the most tolerant in [[Oceania]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Carroll|first1=Aengus|title=State Sponsored Homophobia 2016: A world survey of sexual orientation laws: criminalisation, protection and recognition|url=http://ilga.org/downloads/02_ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2016_ENG_WEB_150516.pdf|publisher=International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association|access-date=4 December 2016|page=183|date=May 2016|quote=In Australia and New Zealand, lesbian, gay, and bisexual people continue to enjoy many legal rights denied to their comrades across the vast majority of the Pacific.|archive-date=2 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902183618/http://ilga.org/downloads/02_ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2016_ENG_WEB_150516.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> New Zealand ranks highly for civic participation in the political process, with 82% [[voter turnout]] during recent general elections,<!--As of 2020 election--> compared to an [[OECD]] average of 69%.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Zealand |url=http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/new-zealand/ |access-date=31 January 2023 |work=[[OECD Better Life Index]] |publisher=[[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development]] |archive-date=21 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121150046/https://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/new-zealand/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, this is untrue for local council elections; a historically low 36% of eligible New Zealanders voted in the [[2022 New Zealand local elections|2022 local elections]], compared with an already low 42% turnout in [[2019 New Zealand local elections|2019]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 October 2022 |title=Council election turnout: Low participation revives call for online voting |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/local-elections-2022%20/476379/council-election-turnout-low-participation-revives-call-for-online-voting |access-date=29 May 2023 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz |archive-date=29 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529125036/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/local-elections-2022%20/476379/council-election-turnout-low-participation-revives-call-for-online-voting |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=30 May 2023 |title=Auckland councillor says record low local election turnout 'extremely concerning' |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/local-elections-2022-calls-for-review-over-extremely-concerning-record-low-turnout/TMDMIHJEO7ER7C6LYD3DRWES24/ |access-date=29 May 2023 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ |archive-date=9 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009114807/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/local-elections-2022-calls-for-review-over-extremely-concerning-record-low-turnout/TMDMIHJEO7ER7C6LYD3DRWES24/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 October 2022 |title=The media and low local election turnout |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/mediawatch/audio/2018862513/the-media-and-low-local-election-turnout |access-date=29 May 2023 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz |archive-date=29 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529125035/https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/mediawatch/audio/2018862513/the-media-and-low-local-election-turnout |url-status=live }}</ref> A 2017 [[Country Reports on Human Rights Practices|human rights report]] by the [[United States Department of State]] noted that the New Zealand government generally [[Human rights in New Zealand|respected the rights]] of individuals, but voiced concerns regarding the social status of the Māori population.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Zealand |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/humanrightsreport/index.htm?year=2017&dlid=277105 |work=Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2017 |publisher=[[United States Department of State]] |access-date=9 December 2018 |archive-date=1 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101130359/https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/humanrightsreport/index.htm?year=2017&dlid=277105 |url-status=live }}</ref> In terms of [[Structural discrimination in New Zealand|structural discrimination]], the [[Human Rights Commission|New Zealand Human Rights Commission]] has asserted that there is strong, consistent evidence that it is a real and ongoing socioeconomic issue.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.hrc.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/HRC-Structural-Report_final_webV1.pdf/ |title=A fair go for all? Rite tahi tätou katoa? Addressing Structural Discrimination in Public Services |date=2012 |publisher=Human Rights Commission |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140330134905/http://www.hrc.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/HRC-Structural-Report_final_webV1.pdf/ |archive-date=30 March 2014 |access-date=22 July 2023 |page=50}}</ref> One example of structural inequality in New Zealand can be seen in the criminal justice system. According to the [[Ministry of Justice (New Zealand)|Ministry of Justice]], Māori are overrepresented, comprising 45% of New Zealanders convicted of crimes and 53% of those imprisoned, while only being 16.5% of the population.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cornish |first=Sophie |date=1 May 2022 |title=Māori even more overrepresented in prisons, despite $98m strategy |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/128306867/mori-even-more-overrepresented-in-prisons-despite-98m-strategy |access-date=29 May 2023 |website=Stuff |language=en |archive-date=29 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529125040/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/128306867/mori-even-more-overrepresented-in-prisons-despite-98m-strategy |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hāpaitia te Oranga Tangata {{!}} New Zealand Ministry of Justice |url=https://www.justice.govt.nz/justice-sector-policy/key-initiatives/key-initiatives-archive/hapaitia-te-oranga-tangata/#:~:text=M%C4%81ori%20are%20overrepresented%20at%20every,of%20the%20New%20Zealand%20population. |access-date=29 May 2023 |website=www.justice.govt.nz |archive-date=1 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601130207/https://www.justice.govt.nz/justice-sector-policy/key-initiatives/key-initiatives-archive/hapaitia-te-oranga-tangata/#:~:text=M%C4%81ori%20are%20overrepresented%20at%20every,of%20the%20New%20Zealand%20population. |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{See also|International rankings of New Zealand}}

===Foreign relations and military===
{{Main|Foreign relations of New Zealand|New Zealand Defence Force}}
[[File:P20220531AS-0492-2 (52245764500).jpg|thumb|Former New Zealand prime minister [[Jacinda Ardern]] with US president [[Joe Biden]] in the [[Oval Office]], 2022]]

During the period of the New Zealand colony, Britain was responsible for external trade and foreign relations.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |editor-first=Alexander |editor-last=McLintock |title=External Relations |url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/1966/history-constitutional/10 |access-date=7 January 2011 |date=April 2009 |orig-year=1966 |encyclopedia=An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand |archive-date=20 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120154326/http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/1966/history-constitutional/10 |url-status=live }}</ref> The 1923 and 1926 [[Imperial Conference]]s decided that New Zealand should be allowed to negotiate its own political [[treaties]], and the first commercial treaty was ratified in 1928 with Japan. On 3 September 1939, New Zealand allied itself with Britain and [[Declaration of war|declared war]] on Germany with Prime Minister [[Michael Joseph Savage]] proclaiming, "Where she goes, we go; where she stands, we stand".<ref>{{cite web |title=Michael Joseph Savage |url=http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/people/michael-joseph-savage-biography |publisher=[[New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage]] |date=July 2010 |access-date=29 January 2011 |archive-date=27 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927012124/http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/people/michael-joseph-savage-biography |url-status=live }}</ref>[[File:E 003261 E Maoris in North Africa July 1941.jpg|thumb|[[Māori Battalion]] [[haka]] in Egypt, 1941|alt=A squad of men kneel in the desert sand while performing a war dance]]

In 1951, the United Kingdom became increasingly focused on its European interests,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.victoria.ac.nz/css/docs/Working_Papers/WP21.pdf |title=Globalisation, Sovereignty, and the Transformation of New Zealand Foreign Policy |first=Robert |last=Patman |access-date=12 March 2007 |work=Working Paper 21/05 |publisher=Centre for Strategic Studies, Victoria University of Wellington |page=8 |date=2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070925192858/http://www.victoria.ac.nz/css/docs/Working_Papers/WP21.pdf |archive-date=25 September 2007}}</ref> while New Zealand joined [[Australia–New Zealand relations|Australia]] and the [[New Zealand–United States relations|United States]] in the [[ANZUS]] security treaty.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.australianpolitics.com/foreign/anzus/anzus-treaty.shtml |title=Department of External Affairs: Security Treaty between Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America |date=September 1951 |publisher=[[Government of Australia|Australian Government]] |access-date=11 January 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110629153135/http://www.australianpolitics.com/foreign/anzus/anzus-treaty.shtml |archive-date=29 June 2011}}</ref> The influence of the United States on New Zealand weakened following protests over the [[New Zealand in the Vietnam War|Vietnam War]],<ref>{{cite web |title=The Vietnam War |url=http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/vietnam-war |work=New Zealand History |publisher=[[New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage]] |date=June 2008 |access-date=11 January 2011 |archive-date=8 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108004233/http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/vietnam-war |url-status=live }}</ref> the refusal of the United States to admonish France after the [[sinking of the Rainbow Warrior|sinking of the ''Rainbow Warrior'']],<ref>{{cite web |title=Sinking the Rainbow Warrior – nuclear-free New Zealand |url=http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/politics/nuclear-free-new-zealand/rainbow-warrior |work=New Zealand History |publisher=[[New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage]] |date=August 2008 |access-date=11 January 2011 |archive-date=19 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019073147/http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/politics/nuclear-free-new-zealand/rainbow-warrior |url-status=live }}</ref> disagreements over environmental and agricultural trade issues, and [[New Zealand nuclear-free zone|New Zealand's nuclear-free policy]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Nuclear-free legislation – nuclear-free New Zealand |url=http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/politics/nuclear-free-new-zealand/nuclear-free-zone |work=New Zealand History |publisher=[[New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage]] |date=August 2008 |access-date=11 January 2011 |archive-date=3 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103231157/http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/politics/nuclear-free-new-zealand/nuclear-free-zone |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Lange |first=David |author-link=David Lange |title=Nuclear Free: The New Zealand Way |publisher=[[Penguin Books]] |date=1990 |isbn=0-14-014519-2}}</ref> Despite the United States's suspension of ANZUS obligations, the treaty remained in effect between New Zealand and Australia, whose foreign policy has followed a similar historical trend.<ref>{{cite web |title=Australia in brief |url= http://www.dfat.gov.au/aib/history.html |publisher=[[Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia)|Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade]] |access-date=11 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101222174922/http://www.dfat.gov.au/aib/history.html |archive-date=22 December 2010}}</ref> Close political contact is maintained between the two countries, with [[Closer Economic Relations|free trade agreements]] and [[Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement|travel arrangements]] that allow citizens to visit, live and work in both countries without restrictions.<ref name="NZ in brief">{{cite web |title=New Zealand country brief |url=http://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/new_zealand/nz_country_brief.html |publisher=[[Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia)|Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade]] |access-date=11 January 2011 |archive-date=12 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012052030/http://dfat.gov.au/geo/new_zealand/nz_country_brief.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> {{As of|2013|alt=In 2013}} there were about 650,000 New Zealand citizens living in Australia, which is equivalent to 15% of the population of New Zealand.<ref>{{cite news |first=John |last=Collett |url=http://www.smh.com.au/money/super-and-funds/kiwis-face-hurdles-in-pursuit-of-lost-funds-20130903-2t1jl.html#ixzz2glaaulCe |title=Kiwis face hurdles in pursuit of lost funds |date=4 September 2013 |access-date=4 October 2013 |archive-date=6 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906141233/http://www.smh.com.au/money/super-and-funds/kiwis-face-hurdles-in-pursuit-of-lost-funds-20130903-2t1jl.html#ixzz2glaaulCe |url-status=live }}</ref>

New Zealand has a strong presence among the [[Pacific Island]] countries, and enjoys strong diplomatic relations with [[Samoa]], [[Fiji]], and [[Tonga]], and among smaller nations.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Mark |first=Simon |date=11 January 2021 |title=New Zealand's public diplomacy in the Pacific: a reset, or more of the same? |url=https://doi.org/10.1057/s41254-020-00196-x |journal=Place Branding and Public Diplomacy |volume=18 |issue=2 |pages=105–112 |language=en |doi=10.1057/s41254-020-00196-x |issn=1751-8059 |pmc=7798375 |access-date=7 March 2022 |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221023732/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1057/s41254-020-00196-x |url-status=live }}</ref> A large proportion of New Zealand's aid goes to these countries, and many Pacific people migrate to New Zealand for employment. The increase of this since the 1960s led to the formation of the [[Pasifika New Zealanders|Pasifika New Zealander]] pan-ethnic group, the fourth-largest ethnic grouping in the country.<ref>{{cite book |first=Geoff |last=Bertram |chapter=South Pacific economic relations – Aid, remittances and tourism |title=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |date=April 2010 |chapter-url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/south-pacific-economic-relations/4 |access-date=11 January 2011 |archive-date=20 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120045222/http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/south-pacific-economic-relations/4 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=23 September 2019 |title=2018 Census population and dwelling counts |url=https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/2018-census-population-and-dwelling-counts |access-date=2 June 2022 |website=www.stats.govt.nz |publisher=[[Statistics New Zealand]] |at=§ Ethnicity}}</ref> Permanent migration is regulated under the 1970 Samoan Quota Scheme and the 2002 Pacific Access Category, which allow up to 1,100 Samoan nationals and up to 750 other Pacific Islanders respectively to become permanent New Zealand residents each year. A seasonal workers scheme for temporary migration was introduced in 2007, and in 2009 about 8,000 Pacific Islanders were employed under it.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://devpolicy.org/making-migration-work-lessons-from-new-zealand/ |title=Making migration work: Lessons from New Zealand |first=Stephen |last=Howes |date=November 2010 |access-date=23 March 2011 |publisher=Development Policy Centre |archive-date=11 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511094422/http://devpolicy.org/making-migration-work-lessons-from-new-zealand/ |url-status=live }}</ref> New Zealand is involved in the [[Pacific Islands Forum]], the [[Pacific Community]], [[Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation]], and the [[Association of Southeast Asian Nations]] Regional Forum (including the [[East Asia Summit]]).<ref name="NZ in brief" /> New Zealand has been described as a [[middle power]] in the [[Asia-Pacific]] region,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Institute |first=Lowy |title=New Zealand – Lowy Institute Asia Power Index |url=https://power.lowyinstitute.org/countries/new-zealand/ |access-date=7 March 2022 |website=Lowy Institute Asia Power Index 2021 |language=en |archive-date=1 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401102321/https://power.lowyinstitute.org/countries/new-zealand/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and an [[emerging power]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/113097493/caught-between-china-and-the-us-the-kiwi-place-in-a-newly-confrontational-world|title=Caught between China and the US: The Kiwi place in a newly confrontational world|work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff.co.nz]]|date=7 June 2019|access-date=1 May 2020|archive-date=5 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190705073500/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/113097493/caught-between-china-and-the-us-the-kiwi-place-in-a-newly-confrontational-world|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.waikato.ac.nz/news-opinion/media/2018/new-zealands-pacific-reset-strategic-anxieties-about-rising-china |last=Steff |first=Reuben |title=New Zealand's Pacific reset: strategic anxieties about rising China |date=5 June 2018 |publisher=[[University of Waikato]] |access-date=1 May 2020 |archive-date=1 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201134141/https://www.waikato.ac.nz/news-opinion/media/2018/new-zealands-pacific-reset-strategic-anxieties-about-rising-china |url-status=live }}</ref> The country is a member of the [[New Zealand and the United Nations|United Nations]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Member States of the United Nations |publisher=United Nations |url=https://www.un.org/en/members/index.shtml#n |access-date=11 January 2011 |archive-date=30 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230101646/http://www.un.org/en/members/index.shtml#n |url-status=live }}</ref> the [[Commonwealth of Nations]]<ref>{{cite web |title=New Zealand |date=15 August 2013 |url=http://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries/new-zealand |publisher=The Commonwealth |access-date=1 December 2016 |archive-date=1 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201213512/http://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries/new-zealand |url-status=live }}</ref> and the [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development]] (OECD),<ref>{{cite web |title=Members and partners |publisher=[[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development]] |url=http://www.oecd.org/pages/0,3417,en_36734052_36761800_1_1_1_1_1,00.html |access-date=11 January 2011 |archive-date=8 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110408175139/http://www.oecd.org/pages/0,3417,en_36734052_36761800_1_1_1_1_1,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and participates in the [[Five Power Defence Arrangements]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The Future of the Five Power Defence Arrangements |url=https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/the-future-of-the-five-power-defence-arrangements/ |work=The Strategist |publisher=Australian Strategic Policy Institute |access-date=1 December 2016 |date=8 November 2012 |archive-date=2 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202165604/https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/the-future-of-the-five-power-defence-arrangements/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:ANZAC Day service at the National War Memorial - Flickr - NZ Defence Force (20).jpg|thumb|[[Anzac Day]] service at the National War Memorial|alt=A soldier in a green army uniform faces forwards]]New Zealand's military services—the Defence Force—comprise the [[New Zealand Army]], the [[Royal New Zealand Air Force]], and the [[Royal New Zealand Navy]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/about-us/ |title=About Us: Role and Responsibilities |publisher=New Zealand Defence Force |access-date=11 January 2011 |archive-date=8 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208065250/http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/about-us/ |url-status=live }}</ref> New Zealand's [[national defence]] needs are modest since a direct attack is unlikely.<ref>{{cite book |chapter=New Zealand Defence and Security Policy, 1990–2005 |last=Ayson |first=Robert |title=New Zealand in World Affairs |volume=IV: 1990–2005 |editor-first=Roderic |editor-last=Alley |publisher=[[Victoria University Press]] |date=2007 |page=132 |isbn=978-0-86473-548-5 |location=Wellington}}</ref> However, its military has [[Military history of New Zealand|had a global presence]]. The country fought in both world wars, with notable campaigns in [[Gallipoli Campaign|Gallipoli]], [[Battle of Crete|Crete]],<ref>{{cite web |title=The Battle for Crete |date=May 2010 |work=New Zealand History |publisher=[[New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage]] |url=http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/the-battle-for-crete |access-date=9 January 2011 |archive-date=21 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421053546/http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/the-battle-for-crete |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Second Battle of El Alamein|El Alamein]],<ref>{{cite web |title=El Alamein – The North African Campaign |url=http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/the-north-african-campaign/el-alamein |work=New Zealand History |publisher=[[New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage]] |date=May 2009 |access-date=9 January 2011 |archive-date=4 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110104033125/http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/the-north-african-campaign/el-alamein |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Battle of Monte Cassino|Cassino]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/battle_cassino_01.shtml |title=World War Two: The Battle of Monte Cassino |first=Richard |last=Holmes |author-link=Richard Holmes (military historian) |date=September 2010 |access-date=9 January 2011 |archive-date=28 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128111552/http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/battle_cassino_01.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> The Gallipoli campaign played an important part in fostering New Zealand's [[national identity]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Gallipoli stirred new sense of national identity says Clark |date=April 2005 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10122323 |access-date=9 January 2011 |archive-date=29 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429191517/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10122323 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Battlefield Tourism: History, Place and Interpretation |first=Bruce |last=Prideaux |editor-first=Chris |editor-last=Ryan |page=18 |date=2007 |publisher=[[Elsevier]] Science |isbn=978-0-08-045362-0}}</ref> and strengthened the [[Australian and New Zealand Army Corps|ANZAC]] tradition it shares with Australia.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Spirit of ANZAC |first=Arthur |last=Burke |url= http://www.anzacday.org.au/spirit/spirit2.html |publisher=ANZAC Day Commemoration Committee |access-date=11 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101226110037/http://www.anzacday.org.au/spirit/spirit2.html |archive-date=26 December 2010}}</ref>

In addition to Vietnam and the two world wars, New Zealand fought in the [[Second Boer War]],<ref>{{cite web |title=South African War 1899–1902 |url=http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/the-south-african-boer-war/introduction |publisher=[[New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage]] |date=February 2009 |access-date=11 January 2011 |archive-date=3 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110103233154/http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/the-south-african-boer-war/introduction |url-status=live }}</ref> the [[New Zealand in the Korean War|Korean War]],<ref>{{cite web |title=New Zealand in the Korean War |url=https://nzhistory.govt.nz/war/korean-war |work=New Zealand History |publisher=[[New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage]] |access-date=1 December 2016 |archive-date=9 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509024958/https://nzhistory.govt.nz/war/korean-war |url-status=live }}</ref> the [[Malayan Emergency]],<ref>{{cite web |title=NZ and the Malayan Emergency |url=http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/the-malayan-emergency |publisher=[[New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage]] |date=August 2010 |access-date=11 January 2011 |archive-date=3 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110103225453/http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/the-malayan-emergency |url-status=live }}</ref> the [[Gulf War]], and the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|Afghanistan War]]. It has contributed forces to several regional and global peacekeeping missions, such as those in [[Cyprus dispute|Cyprus]], [[Somali Civil War|Somalia]], [[Bosnian War|Bosnia and Herzegovina]], the [[Suez Crisis|Sinai]], [[Angolan Civil War|Angola]], [[Cambodian–Vietnamese War|Cambodia]], the [[Iran–Iraq War|Iran–Iraq]] border, [[Bougainville campaign|Bougainville]], [[Operation Astute|East Timor]], and the [[Solomon Islands#Civil war|Solomon Islands]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/operations/default.htm |title=New Zealand Defence Force Overseas Operations |publisher=[[New Zealand Defence Force]] |access-date=17 February 2008 |date=January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080125104529/http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/operations/default.htm |archive-date=25 January 2008}}</ref>

Today, New Zealand enjoys [[New Zealand–United States relations|particularly close relations]] with the [[United States]] and is one of its [[Major non-NATO ally|major non-NATO allies]],<ref name=":0" /> as [[Australia–New Zealand relations|well as with Australia]], with a "[[Trans-Tasman]]" identity between citizens of the latter being common.<ref name="Lynch2009" /> New Zealand is a member of the [[Five Eyes]] intelligence sharing agreement, known formally as the [[UKUSA Agreement]]. The five members of this agreement compromise the [[Anglosphere|core Anglosphere]]: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dni.gov/index.php/who-we-are/organizations/enterprise-capacity/chco/chco-related-menus/chco-related-links/recruitment-and-outreach/217-about/organization/icig-pages/2660-icig-fiorc|title=Five Eyes Intelligence Oversight and Review Council (FIORC)|website=www.dni.gov|access-date=12 September 2022|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121051724/https://www.dni.gov/index.php/who-we-are/organizations/enterprise-capacity/chco/chco-related-menus/chco-related-links/recruitment-and-outreach/217-about/organization/icig-pages/2660-icig-fiorc|url-status=live}}</ref> Since 2012, New Zealand has had a partnership arrangement with [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization|NATO]] under the Partnership Interoperability Initiative.<ref>{{cite web |title=Relations with New Zealand |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_52347.htm |website=NATO |access-date=3 April 2023 |archive-date=3 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403040803/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_52347.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Partnership arrangement signed with NATO |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/partnership-arrangement-signed-nato |website=Beehive.co.nz |publisher=NZ Govt |access-date=3 April 2023 |archive-date=3 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403032257/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/partnership-arrangement-signed-nato |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Scotcher |first1=Katie |title=New Zealand's relationship to Nato is getting stronger, expert says |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/new-zealands-relationship-to-nato-is-getting-stronger-expert-says/46LJXVTY4REX3OE6DGLADS54DA/ |access-date=3 April 2023 |work=New Zealand Herald |date=3 April 2023 |archive-date=3 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403002140/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/new-zealands-relationship-to-nato-is-getting-stronger-expert-says/46LJXVTY4REX3OE6DGLADS54DA/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Local government and external territories===
{{Main|Local government in New Zealand|Realm of New Zealand}}
[[File:NZ Regional Councils and Territorial Authorities 2017.svg|thumb|Map of regions (coloured) and territorial authorities (outlined) in New Zealand|alt=A map of New Zealand divided into regions and territorial authorities with labels]]
The early European settlers divided New Zealand into [[Provinces of New Zealand|provinces]], which had a degree of autonomy.<ref name="nine_provinces">{{cite web |url= http://www.library.otago.ac.nz/pdf/hoc_fr_bulletins/31_bulletin.pdf |title=New Zealand's Nine Provinces (1853–76) |work=Friends of the Hocken Collections |publisher=University of Otago |date=March 2000 |access-date=13 January 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110205012614/http://www.library.otago.ac.nz/pdf/hoc_fr_bulletins/31_bulletin.pdf |archive-date=5 February 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Because of financial pressures and the desire to consolidate railways, education, land sales, and other policies, government was centralised and the provinces were abolished in 1876.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |editor-first=Alexander |editor-last=McLintock |title=Provincial Divergencies |url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/1966/provinces-and-provincial-districts/3 |access-date=7 January 2011 |date=April 2009 |orig-year=1966 |encyclopedia=An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand |archive-date=20 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120183114/http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/1966/provinces-and-provincial-districts/3 |url-status=live }}</ref> The provinces are remembered in [[Public holidays in New Zealand|regional public holidays]]<ref>{{cite book |last1=Swarbrick |first1=Nancy |chapter=Public holidays |chapter-url=http://teara.govt.nz/en/public-holidays |title=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |access-date=25 June 2017 |date=September 2016 |archive-date=6 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606043650/http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/public-holidays |url-status=live }}</ref> and sporting rivalries.<ref>{{cite web |title=Overview – regional rugby |url=http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/regional-rugby/overview |publisher=[[New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage]] |date=September 2010 |access-date=13 January 2011 |archive-date=22 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822104629/http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/regional-rugby/overview |url-status=live }}</ref>

Since 1876, various councils have administered local areas under legislation determined by the central government.<ref name="nine_provinces" /><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Dollery |first1=Brian |last2=Keogh |first2=Ciaran |last3=Crase |first3=Lin |title=Alternatives to Amalgamation in Australian Local Government: Lessons from the New Zealand Experience |date=2007 |journal=Sustaining Regions |volume=6 |issue=1 |pages=50–69 |url= http://www.anzrsai.org/system/files/f8/f9/f39/f40/o186//Dollery%20sustaining%20regions%20article.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070829001212/http://www.anzrsai.org/system/files/f8/f9/f39/f40/o186//Dollery%20sustaining%20regions%20article.pdf |archive-date=29 August 2007}}</ref> In 1989, the government reorganised local government into the current two-tier structure of [[Regions of New Zealand|regional councils]] and [[territorial authorities]].<ref name="Sancton2000">{{cite book |title=Merger mania: the assault on local government |first=Andrew |last=Sancton |date=2000 |publisher=[[McGill-Queen's University Press]] |page=84 |isbn=0-7735-2163-1}}</ref> The [[List of former territorial authorities in New Zealand|249 municipalities]]<ref name="Sancton2000" /> that existed in 1975 have now been consolidated into 67 territorial authorities and 11 regional councils.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.stats.govt.nz/~/media/Statistics/Methods%20and%20Services/Tables/Subnational%20population%20estimates/subpopest2001-10.ashx |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110610051916/http://www.stats.govt.nz/~/media/Statistics/Methods%20and%20Services/Tables/Subnational%20population%20estimates/subpopest2001-10.ashx |archive-date=10 June 2011|title=Subnational population estimates at 30 June 2010 (boundaries at 1 November 2010) |date=26 October 2010 |publisher=[[Statistics New Zealand]] |access-date=2 April 2011}}</ref> The regional councils' role is to regulate "the natural environment with particular emphasis on [[Resource Management Act 1991|resource management]]",<ref name="Sancton2000" /> while territorial authorities are responsible for sewage, water, local roads, building consents, and other local matters.{{sfn|Smelt|Jui Lin|2009|p=33}}<ref name="glossary">{{cite web |title=Glossary |url=http://www.localcouncils.govt.nz/lgip.nsf/wpgurl/Resources-Glossary-Index |publisher=Department of Internal Affairs |access-date=28 August 2016 |archive-date=9 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709203038/https://www.localcouncils.govt.nz/lgip.nsf/wpgurl/Resources-Glossary-Index |url-status=live }}</ref> Five of the territorial councils are [[Unitary authority|unitary authorities]] and also act as regional councils.<ref name="glossary" /> The territorial authorities consist of 13 city councils, 53 [[Districts of New Zealand|district]] councils, and the [[Chatham Islands]] Council. While officially the Chatham Islands Council is not a unitary authority, it undertakes many functions of a regional council.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chatham Islands Council Act 1995 No 41 |url=http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1995/0041/latest/whole.html |date=29 July 1995 |publisher=[[New Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office]] |access-date=8 August 2017 |archive-date=8 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808233555/http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1995/0041/latest/whole.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Realm of New Zealand, one of 15 [[Commonwealth realm]]s,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Gimpel |first1=Diane|title=Monarchies|date=2011 |publisher=ABDO Publishing Company |isbn=978-1-617-14792-0|page=[https://archive.org/details/monarchies0000gimp_v0v5/page/22 22] |url= https://archive.org/details/monarchies0000gimp_v0v5|url-access=registration |access-date=18 November 2016}}</ref> is the entire area over which the king or queen of New Zealand is [[sovereign]] and comprises New Zealand, [[Tokelau]], the [[Ross Dependency]], the [[Cook Islands]], and [[Niue]].<ref name="GG constitution" /> The Cook Islands and Niue are self-governing states in [[Associated state|free association]] with New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.gov.nu/wb/pages/system-of-government-fakatokaaga-he-fakatufono.php |title=System of Government |publisher=Government of Niue |access-date=13 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101113024046/http://www.gov.nu/wb/pages/system-of-government-fakatokaaga-he-fakatufono.php |archive-date=13 November 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=Government of the Cook Islands |title=Government – Structure, Personnel |url=http://www.ck/govt.htm#con |access-date=13 January 2010 |archive-date=20 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120200425/http://www.ck/govt.htm#con |url-status=live }}</ref> The New Zealand Parliament cannot pass legislation for these countries, but with their consent can act on behalf of them in foreign affairs and defence. Tokelau is classified as a [[United Nations list of non-self-governing territories|non-self-governing territory]], but is administered by a council of three elders (one from each Tokelauan [[atoll]]).<ref>{{cite web |title=Tokelau Government |url=http://www.tokelau.org.nz/Tokelau+Government.html |publisher=Government of Tokelau |access-date=16 November 2016 |archive-date=13 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113221641/http://www.tokelau.org.nz/Tokelau+Government.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Ross Dependency is New Zealand's [[Territorial claims in Antarctica|territorial claim in Antarctica]], where it operates the [[Scott Base]] research facility.<ref>{{cite web |title=Scott Base |url=http://www.antarcticanz.govt.nz/scott-base |publisher=[[Antarctica New Zealand]] |access-date=13 January 2010 |archive-date=29 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329071421/https://www.antarcticanz.govt.nz/scott-base |url-status=live }}</ref> [[New Zealand nationality law]] treats all parts of the realm equally, so most people born in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, and the Ross Dependency are New Zealand citizens.<ref>{{cite web |title=Citizenship Act 1977 No 61 |url=http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1977/0061/latest/whole.html |publisher=Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office |access-date=26 May 2017 |date=1 December 1977 |archive-date=25 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225182504/http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1977/0061/latest/whole.html |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Refn|A person born on or after 1 January 2006 acquires New Zealand citizenship at birth only if at least one parent is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. All persons born on or before 31 December 2005 acquired citizenship at birth (''[[jus soli]]'').<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/wpg_URL/Services-Citizenship-Check-if-you're-a-New-Zealand-citizen?OpenDocument |title=Check if you're a New Zealand citizen |publisher=Department of Internal Affairs |access-date=20 January 2015 |archive-date=23 September 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140923112222/http://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/wpg_URL/Services-Citizenship-Check-if-you%E2%80%99re-a-New-Zealand-citizen?OpenDocument |url-status=live}}</ref>|group=n}}