A principle guide to government and politics in Aotearoa New Zealand

Government and Politics in Aotearoa New Zealand equips students with the history, theory and knowledge needed to understand and enjoy the study of Aotearoa New Zealand politics. It helps students to identify key governmental institutions of the state, to understand how government works and to recognise political and civil rights and responsibilities in order to engage with them.

The extensive author team share their expertise, explanations and arguments from a variety of perspectives, offering students various ways of looking at Aotearoa New Zealand’s government and politics.

NEW TO THIS EDITION

• New seven-part structure allows for easy navigation and gradually builds a cohesive picture of politics and government in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Incorporates recent changes to Aotearoa New Zealand politics such as the COVID-19 response and the 2020 general election.
• Updated discussion questions encourage students to engage with key concepts.
• A new glossary highlights key terms and concepts throughout the book to give students a more in-depth understanding of the topic.

Introduction: Why Study the Politics of Aotearoa New Zealand?
Part 1: Political History and Identity
1.0 Aotearoa New Zealand’s Political Histories
1.1 Māori Political Histories
1.2 New Zealand Politics, 1935–84
1.3 New Zealand Politics, Post-1984
1.4 National Identity and Diversity
1.5 New Zealand in the World
Part 2: Critiquing the State
2.0 The Importance of Political Theory
2.1 Democratic Theory
2.2 Pluralism
2.3 Kaupapa Māori Politics
2.4 Feminism
2.5 Marxism
Part 3: The Political System
3.0 Aotearoa New Zealand’s System of Government
3.1 Te Tiriti o Waitangi
3.2 The Constitution
3.3 Parliament
3.4 The Executive
3.5 Public Sector
3.6 The Judiciary
3.7 Local Government
Part 4: Political Parties and Elections
4.0 Why Voting and Elections Matter
4.1 Elections and Voter Turnout
4.2 Political Parties
4.3 The MMP Electoral System
4.4 The Māori Electorates
4.5 Media and Elections
Part 5: Government and Parliament
5.0 Government and the Westminster Tradition
5.1 Government Formation
5.2 The Prime Minister
5.3 Cabinet and Ministers
5.4 Members of Parliament
Part 6: Policy Making and Public Participation
6.0 The Politics of Policy Making
6.1 The Policy Process
6.2 Critical Public Policy
6.3 Ministers, Officials and Advisers
6.4 Māori and Social Policy
6.5 Interest Groups and Lobbying
6.6 Civic Engagement
Part 7: Case studies of Politics in Action
7.0 How Does Politics Happen?
7.1 Inequality
7.2 Immigration Policy
7.3 Governing Through Disaster
Glossary
Index

Professor Janine Hayward teaches New Zealand politics at the University of Otago.

Dr Lara Greaves (Ngāpuhi, Pākehā, Tararā) is a lecturer in New Zealand and Māori politics at the University of Auckland.

Dr Claire Timperley is a lecturer in New Zealand politics and political theory at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.