Cheat sheet
The facts most likely to come up, on one page. Skim this right before a mock test.
Key dates and firsts
- 1840 — Treaty of Waitangi signed (6 February, now Waitangi Day)
- 1867 — Māori seats established in Parliament
- 1893 — Women win the vote (world first, led by Kate Sheppard)
- 1975 — Waitangi Tribunal established
- 1990 — NZ Bill of Rights Act
- 1993 — Human Rights Act; MMP referendum
- 1996 — First MMP election
- 2004 — Supreme Court becomes highest court
- 2013 — Marriage equality
Numbers to remember
- Vote at 18 (enrol from 17)
- General elections every 3 years
- About 120 MPs in one chamber
- 5% party-vote threshold (or one electorate seat)
- Adult passport valid 10 years; child 5 years
- Alcohol purchase age 18; zero alcohol for drivers under 20
- Default urban speed limit 50 km/h; child restraints under 7
- Biosecurity instant fine $400; emergencies 111
Institutions
- Head of state: the King, represented by the Governor-General
- Parliament: House of Representatives, Wellington (the Beehive is the executive wing)
- Courts: District → High → Court of Appeal → Supreme Court
- Elections run by the independent Electoral Commission
- Passports issued by the Department of Internal Affairs
- Discrimination complaints: Human Rights Commission (free)
- Complaints about government agencies: the Ombudsman
- Travel advice: SafeTravel (safetravel.govt.nz), help via MFAT
Rights and responsibilities
- Rights: expression, religion, assembly, association, movement, fair trial
- Citizens: NZ passport, always free to enter NZ, stand for Parliament
- Official languages: English, te reo Māori, NZ Sign Language
- Responsibilities: obey the law, respect others' rights, jury service
- Enrolment to vote is compulsory; voting is voluntary
- Good character is required for a grant of citizenship
- Overseas: obey local law; consulates cannot override it
- Dual citizenship is allowed