New Zealand is a democratic constitutional monarchy, one of Queen Elizabeth II's sixteen realms. This book provides a comprehensive account of how the Queen, the Governor-General and the Crown interact with our democratically-elected leaders under New Zealand's unwritten constitution.The authors explain how these islands in the South Pacific were first brought within Queen Victoria's dominions, the arrangements then made for their future government, and how those arrangements developed over time with the pressure for democracy and responsible government to become New Zealand's current constitution. They discuss the responsibilities of, and interactions between, the key office-holders: the Sovereign herself; her representative, the Governor-General; the impersonal and perpetual Crown, and the Prime Minister, other Ministers and Members of Parliament. All of them affect in some way the government which runs the country day to day. In an afterword, the authors examine some of the key issues to be considered should New Zealand become a republic.The parliamentary democracy that we take for granted can conceal New Zealand's ultimate constitutional underpinnings in the monarchy. But, as the authors make clear, the monarchy's continuing role in New Zealand's constitution is significant. And understanding the roles of the Queen, the Governor-General and the Crown will be critical as we look forward to debates about the possibility of a republic in New Zealand.

The extension to other Realms of the reserve power to refuse a dissolution

This book examines the royal prerogative in terms of its theory, history and application today. The work explores the development of the royal prerogative through the evolution of imperial government, and more recent structural changes in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in the Commonwealth. While examining specific prerogative powers, the development of justiciability of the prerogative, and the exercise of the prerogative, it lays bare the heart of constitutionality in the Westminster system of government. There is said to be a black hole of unaccountable authority at the heart of the constitution and it is this which this book examines. The focus is upon the constitutional development of the United Kingdom and the old dominions of Canada, Australia and New Zealand. This approach is comparative and historical, using specific case studies of such events as the dissolution of Parliament and the appointment and dismissal of Prime Ministers. The book will be of interest to academics and researchers working in the areas of Constitutional Law and Politics.

Contains papers presented at a conference entitled "Roles and perspectives in the law" held in April 2002 at Victoria University of Wellington Law School honouring Sir Ivor Richardson upon his retirement as President of the Court of Appeal. Covers eight distinct and contrasting areas of law, the juxtaposition of which illustrates the underlying principles, tensions, and values that run through the law. Includes sections on taxes and commercial regulation.

A study of the office of the Constitutional Head of State in Westminster-style Commonwealth countries. In this book specialist writers look at each country separately, describing the variants in infrastructure and in local custom.

In 'Judgments of the Court of Appeal of New Zealand on Proceedings to Review Aspects of the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Mount Erebus Aircraft Disaster. C.A. 95/ 81', the New Zealand Court of Appeal carefully examines and analyzes the findings and recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry. The book presents a detailed account of legal proceedings and the judicial interpretation of the report, providing insight into the legal implications and outcomes of the investigation. The literary style is precise and analytical, reflecting the scholarly approach to reviewing complex legal matters within a specific context. The book serves as a valuable resource for understanding the legal ramifications of a significant aviation disaster and the subsequent legal proceedings that ensued in New Zealand. The New Zealand Court of Appeal, as the author of this book, demonstrates a deep understanding of the legal system and the complexities involved in reviewing a Royal Commission report. The author's expertise in the legal field and experience in adjudicating such cases undoubtedly influenced the writing of this comprehensive analysis. Their meticulous approach to examining the legal aspects of the Mount Erebus Aircraft Disaster showcases a commitment to upholding justice and ensuring accountability within the legal system. I highly recommend 'Judgments of the Court of Appeal of New Zealand' to readers interested in legal proceedings, aviation disasters, and the intersection of law and investigation. This book offers a thorough and insightful examination of a significant event in New Zealand's history, shedding light on the legal processes that followed the Royal Commission's report.