Section outline

  • EXPLORE / TŪHURA

    EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

    • We are EXPLORING to identify the Māori perspective of astronomical and cosmological links relevant to Matariki according to Rangi Matamua.
    • We are EXPLORING Matariki by comparing and contrasting Rangi Matamua’s understanding of Matariki with my own cultural narrative.
    • We are EXPLORING the New Zealand Government and its functions.


    New Zealand's Constitutional System


    New Zealand has three branches of Government:

    1. The Legislature

    2. The Executive

    3. The Judiciary


    The three branches operate independently from one another, a principle known as the ‘separation of powers’. This principle is intended to prevent abuses of power, as each branch acts as a check on the others.

    1. The Legislature consists of Members of Parliament and the Governor-General. The role of the Legislature is to make laws (legislation), and to scrutinise the Executive.

    2. The Executive consists of Ministers (both inside and outside Cabinet) and Government departments. The role of the Executive is to decide policy, propose laws (which must be approved by the Legislature) and administer the law.

    3. The Judiciary consists of all judges. The role of the judiciary is to interpret and apply the law. There are two main sources of law: statutes (the laws passed by Parliament) and the ‘common law’. The common law has been developed by judges over the centuries, and may be altered by the courts to meet changing circumstances. 


    Judicial Independence



    Judges are independent from the other branches of Government and from each other. Judges must be free to determine each case according to the law, based on the evidence presented in court. This means that judges must be free from influence from every person including, but not limited to, the Governor-General, Members of Parliament (including Ministers) and Government officials.

    Judicial decisions can be appealed to a senior court, as long as the relevant legislation allows this. 


    Supreme Court


    The Supreme Court of New Zealand is the final court of appeal.

    Court staff are also independent when exercising their statutory powers as registrars or deputy registrars of the court, such as deciding whether or not to grant an application for waiver of fees. The decisions of registrars and deputy registrars can be reviewed by a High Court judge if an application is made under the High Court Rules.



    Democracy



    What is democracy and the democratic process?

    Watch the video and add to your notes so far. Answer questions on the next slide.


     https://www.youtubeeducation.com/watch?v=vA7GKji0mcA



    Define the Services


    In your book, define:

    • Parliamentary Services

    • Office of the Clerk

    • Parliamentary Counsel Office

    • Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet

    • Ministerial and Secretariat Services


    Add current people attached to each position.


    Draw and complete the chart in your book





    NZ Government Parties




    • Define the current political parties in NZ.

    • Write 6-8 bullet points about their policies and values.

    • Discuss how each party aligns with your own values and ideas.