Prime Minister of New Zealand
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The Prime Minister of New Zealand is New Zealand's head of government. This job is given to the leader of the party or coalition with the most support in the Parliament of New Zealand. Since 26 October 2017, the Prime Minister has been Jacinda Ardern of the Labour Party.
Responsibilities and powers[change | change source]
The role of the Prime Minister is not formally defined, being based on constitutional convention rather than specific legislation. According to these conventions, the Prime Minister is leader of Cabinet (itself a body existing by convention), and takes a co-ordinating role.
The Prime Minister holds the most senior post in the New Zealand Parliament. The Prime Minister is not able to give direct orders to other people in their party.
The Prime Minister can call for an election by asking the Governor-General to close Parliament
List of New Zealand Prime Ministers[change | change source]
Living former Prime Ministers[change | change source]
As of August 2020, there are six living former New Zealand Prime Ministers, as seen below.
- Living former Prime Ministers of New Zealand
Sir Geoffrey Palmer
served 1989–90
born 1942 (age 78)
Jim Bolger
served 1990–97
born 1935 (age 85)
Dame Jenny Shipley
served 1997–99
born 1952 (age 68)
Helen Clark
served 1999–2008
born 1950 (age 70)
Sir John Key
served 2008–2016
born 1961 (age 59)
Bill English
served 2016–2017
born 1961 (age 58)
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The most recent Prime Minister to die was Mike Moore (served 1990), on 2 February 2020, aged 71.[1]
References[change | change source]
- ↑ "Former New Zealand Prime Minister Mike Moore dies age 71". Radio NZ. 2 February 2020. Retrieved 2 February 2020.