Democracy in New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the world’s oldest democracies for men and women, Maori and Pakeha, with one of the highest political participation rates. But—from MMP to leadership primaries, spin doctors to “dirty politics”—the country’s political system is undergoing rapid change. Examining the constitution and the political system, cabinet and parliament, political parties, leadership, and elections, Raymond Miller draws on data and analysis (including from the 2014 election) to tackle critical questions: Who runs New Zealand? Does political apathy threaten democracy? Will new parties have an ongoing impact? Do we now have a presidential democracy?

Raymond Miller is a professor of politics and international relations at the University of Auckland. He is the author or editor of several books, including New Zealand Government and Politics, Party Politics in New Zealand, and Political Leadership in New Zealand.