New Zealand
- Constitution Act 1986 (1999)
- Bill of Rights Act (1994)
- Treaty of Waitangi (1840)
- Parliament
- Government
- Supreme Court
- New Zealand Legislation
Constitutional Background
New Zealand, like Canda and Israel, has no written constitution in one single document, but rather a number of Basic Laws. A fundamental law is the Treaty of Waitangi, establishing British sovereignty on 6 Feb 1840 and marking the national holiday; there are continuing differences about the correct translation of the document signed by the indigenous people.
History and News
- 27 Nov 1999: Labour party wins parliamentary elections resulting in the nomination of Helen Clark for Prime Minister.
- 1997: Jenny Shipley (National Party) is appointed as New Zealand's first woman Prime Minister without prior elections.
- 12 Oct 1996: General elections are won by the National Party.
- 1990: The national government of Jim Bolger (National Party) is elected.
- 26 Sep 1907: Independence from the United Kingdom.
- 6 Feb 1840: British sovereignty officially established by the Treaty of Waitangi.