E nga rau rangatahi mā, e huihui mai nei i tēnei wā, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou. Nau mai, haere mai rā ki Te Whare o te Kawana Tinara o Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
I wish to begin by acknowledging Mr Peter Cullen, founder of the Strengthening Democracy Project – and of course, all students here today taking part.
I want to expressly thank Miro Ireson for so beautifully delivering our karakia, composed by the Reverend Katie Lawrence, Dean of the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, whose attendance I also wish to acknowledge this afternoon.
Finally, I wish to acknowledge Mr Boyd Klap, a great supporter of the project and who I understand is approaching his one hundredth birthday. Tēnā koutou katoa.
As Governor-General, it is my great pleasure to host this event as part of the Strengthening Democracy Project – this powerful civic initiative supporting, and engaging, young leaders like yourselves.
I note your focus this year has been on understanding and evaluating our system of Mixed Member Proportional Representation. This afternoon, I’m looking forward to sharing my own reflections on how the role of the Governor-General fits into New Zealand’s democracy, in light of our election later this year.
During an election campaign, it is of course for candidates and political parties to persuade New Zealanders to vote for them. Since its introduction 30 years ago, the MMP system means it is much less likely that one party will win a majority of seats and be able to form a government on its own. Instead, history has shown it is more likely parties will need to negotiate amongst themselves to form a government. This requires one or more parties to be able to show they hold a majority in the House of Representatives on matters of ‘confidence and supply’ – that is votes on the money – the budget, to fund the government and other certain important issues.
It is here that my job as Governor-General comes into play. I outlined the basis for appointing the next Prime Minister and also Government, in my address to the Electoral Commission earlier this year. In that speech I explained my role involves issuing the writ for the election, dissolving Parliament, appointing the Prime Minister and Executive, and then opening Parliament. These are arguably my most important constitutional duties. It is one of the few areas in which the Governor-General acts without ministerial advice. However, I am never alone as the Clerk of the Executive Council, Cabinet Office and Crown Law guide me through constitutional protocols.
When determining who to appoint as Prime Minister, I am looking for two things – ‘quantity’ and ‘clarity’. ‘Quantity’ refers to a Government being able to show it will have enough votes to succeed in a vote of confidence in the House. It is not the largest party who may form the Government, but the party or parties, who together have the majority. ‘Clarity’ means clear and public statements by the party leaders that they intend to work together as a government.
Once I can see there is both quantity and clarity, as Governor-General I appoint the Prime Minister at a swearing in ceremony at Government House. The Prime Minister advises me who to appoint as his or her other Ministers and their portfolios. Ministers then swear an oath to advise the Governor-General on behalf of the King and his heirs, on matters relating to their portfolio responsibilities. As the representative of the Head of State, I rely on the good advice of my advisors – the Ministers and Prime Minister.
Whether the outcome of this year’s election is immediately clear on election night, or requires longer negotiations between parties, New Zealanders can have confidence that we live in a mature and stable democracy, with respect for the rule of law, and a robust electoral system.
Renowned author and social activist Naomi Klein said, ‘Democracy is not just the right to vote, it is the right to live in dignity.’
I’m sure you are all aware of the many challenges facing democracies around the world – from disinformation, to foreign interference in elections. We should also be mindful of the importance of a well-informed public who can make decisions about their choice of representatives.
We require our best and brightest minds, such as those in this room, to attend to these issues that we face as a global community.
My sincere thanks to everyone associated with this vital project, and especially to the young leaders in this room today.
I understand some of you will be eligible to vote in the next general election for the first time. I encourage you to enjoy, discuss and take seriously this privilege and responsibility that we all bear as citizens of New Zealand. Your voices and aspirations will ensure New Zealand’s democracy will continue to serve and reflect who we are, as we advance and mature as a nation.
Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.