Realm of New Zealand
From Open Encyclopedia
The Realm of New Zealand is the territory in which the Queen in right of New Zealand is head of state. The Realm comprises the Cook Islands, New Zealand, Niue, Tokelau and New Zealand's Ross Dependency in Antarctica. Different types of viceroys exist within the Realm for each of the territories—Governor-General, Governor, Administrator, Representative and High Commissioner.
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Governor-General
Main articles: Governor-General and Governor-General of New Zealand
Since Queen Elizabeth II is resident in the United Kingdom she is represented in the Realm by a Governor-General. Governors-General take on all the dignities and reserve powers of the Queen. As of 2005 the Governor-General of New Zealand is Dame Silvia Cartwright.
Sovereignty within the Realm
Cook Islands and Niue
Both the Cook Islands and Niue are said to be self-governing in free association with New Zealand. The New Zealand Parliament is not empowered to unilaterally pass legislation in respect of these countries. In foreign affairs and defence issues New Zealand often acts on behalf of these countries but only with their advice and consent.
As the Governor-General is resident in New Zealand, the Cook Islands Constitution provides for the distinct position of Queen's Representative. This individual is not subordinate to the Governor-General and acts as the local representative of the Queen in right of New Zealand. As of 2005 Sir Frederick Goodwin is the Queen's Representative to the Cook Islands. According to the Island's Constitution of 1974 the Governor-General of New Zealand (Dame Silvia Cartwright) acts as the Queen's representative in relation to Niue.
In the Cook Islands and Niue the New Zealand High Commissioner is the diplomatic representative from New Zealand. As of 2005 John Bryan is the New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands and Sandra Lee-Vercoe is the New Zealand High Commissioner to Niue.
Despite their close relationship to New Zealand, both the Cook Islands and Niue maintain some diplomatic relations in their own name. Both countries maintain High Commissions in New Zealand and have New Zealand High Commissioners resident in their capitals. In Commonwealth practice, High Commissioners represent their governments, not the Head of State.
New Zealand
New Zealand proper consists of the following island groups:
- the North Island, South Island and neighbouring coastal islands, all contained within the 16 regions of New Zealand
- the Chatham Islands to the east, contained within the Chatham Islands Territory
- the Kermadec Islands to the north and sub-antarctic islands to the south, all outside local authority boundaries and inhabited only by a small number of research and conservation staff
Tokelau
Tokelau has a lesser degree of de jure independence than the Cook Islands and Niue have, and is presently moving toward free association status. New Zealand's representative in Tokelau is the Administrator of Tokelau and has the power to overturn rules passed by the general fono.
Ross Dependency
New Zealand's claim to the Ross Dependency is held in abeyance, however the Governor-General of New Zealand is ex officio the Governor of the Ross Dependency. The Ross Dependency claim includes McMurdo Station operated by the United States.
Terminology
| Area | Viceroy | Head of Government | Legislature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cook Islands | Queens Representative | Prime Minister | Assembly |
| New Zealand | Governor-General | Prime Minister | House of Representatives |
| Niue | High Commisioner | Premier | Assembly |
| Ross Dependency | Governor | Chief Executive | None |
| Tokelau | Administrator | Head of Government | Fono |
See also
External link
- Letters Patent constituting the office of Governor-General of New Zealand—defines "Realm of New Zealand"
| | Image:Flag of New Zealand.svg |
|---|---|
| Cook Islands | New Zealand | Niue | Ross Dependency | Tokelau | |
