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Informationen zum Autor Matthew SR Palmer is a judge of the High Court of New Zealand. He has previously held positions as a senior public servant and as Dean of Law at Victoria University of Wellington. He is an expert in New Zealand public law. Dean R Knight is Associate Professor at Victoria University of Wellington’s Faculty of Law and a co-director of the New Zealand Centre of Public Law. Klappentext This book examines New Zealand's constitution, through the lens of constitutional realism. It looks at the practices, habits, conventions and norms of constitutional life. It focuses on the structures, processes and culture that govern the exercise of public power - a perspective that is necessary to explore and account for a lived, rather thantextual, constitution.New Zealand's constitution is unique. One of three remaining unwritten democratic constitutions in the world, it is characterised by a charming set of anachronistic contrasts. "Unwritten", but much found in various written sources. Built on a network of Westminster constitutional conventions but generously tailored to local conditions. Proudly independent, yet perhaps a purer Westminster model than its British parent.Flexible and vulnerable, while oddly enduring. It looks to the centralised authority that comes with a strong executive, strict parliamentary sovereignty, and a unitary state. However, its populace insists on egalitarian values and representative democracy, with elections fiercely conducted nowadays under a system of proportional representation. The interests of indigenous Maori are protected largely through democratic majority rule. A reputation for upholding the rule of law, yet few institutional safeguards to ensure compliance. Vorwort This book examines New Zealand’s constitution through the lens of constitutional realism and focuses on the structures, processes and culture that govern the exercise of public power. Zusammenfassung This book examines New Zealand’s constitution, through the lens of constitutional realism. It looks at the practices, habits, conventions and norms of constitutional life. It focuses on the structures, processes and culture that govern the exercise of public power – a perspective that is necessary to explore and account for a lived, rather thantextual, constitution.New Zealand’s constitution is unique. One of three remaining unwritten democratic constitutions in the world, it is characterised by a charming set of anachronistic contrasts. “Unwritten”, but much found in various written sources. Built on a network of Westminster constitutional conventions but generously tailored to local conditions. Proudly independent, yet perhaps a purer Westminster model than its British parent.Flexible and vulnerable, while oddly enduring. It looks to the centralised authority that comes with a strong executive, strict parliamentary sovereignty, and a unitary state. However, its populace insists on egalitarian values and representative democracy, with elections fiercely conducted nowadays under a system of proportional representation. The interests of indigenous Maori are protected largely through democratic majority rule. A reputation for upholding the rule of law, yet few institutional safeguards to ensure compliance. Inhaltsverzeichnis 1. New Zealand Constitutionalism I. Introduction II. Constitutional Essence III. Constitutional Perspective IV. Constitutional Culture V. Constitutional Dialogue VI. Conclusion Further Reading 2. Aotearoa New Zealand I. Introduction II. Maori and Pakeha III. He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni: The Declaration of Independence of New Zealand IV. Te Tiriti o Waitangi: The Treaty of Waitangi V. Assertion of British Sovereignty VI. Conclusion Further Reading 3. Head of State and the Crown I. Introduction II. Sovereign as Head of State III. Governor-General ...
