Taking part
- ARTICLES
About Taking Part
Taking Part explains how decisions are made in New Zealand and how New Zealanders can help shape them by having their say, and also offers practical advice. Taking Part is suitable for group use, including with new New Zealanders. Downloads of the print version are also available and you may order hardcopies of the resource. More »
Decisions and laws of the country
While the New Zealand government makes the day to day decisions, the really big decisions and new laws need to be made by parliament. There, in the House of Representatives, Members of Parliament from around the country meet to make decisions on many things that affect New Zealanders’ lives. Their job is to represent the views of all New Zealanders. More »
Decisions and rules for where you live
Parliament is not the only form of government that makes decisions affecting your daily life. Local government decides things like how much you pay in rates, where and how big you can build, what types of businesses can operate in certain areas, the cost of rubbish collection and street parking, what library services you receive, when your street or pavement needs repairing. More »
Important decisions you can make - enrolling and voting
One of the most important ways you can take part in the decisions that shape New Zealand is to choose the people who make those decisions – your representatives. In most cases this involves making your choice by casting a vote. There is no one right way to decide how to vote. What’s most important is that you have your say in parliamentary and local elections. More »
Express yourself - ways for having your say and being heard
There are many ways that you can take part in the decisions that affect you, your community, and your country. Here are different activities you can use to have your say, explaining what the activity involves, why you might use it, and how you use it to take part. More »
Taking part for new New Zealanders
Being new to New Zealand you might find the way we do things here a little different to what you are used to. Here we explain some of your rights and responsibilities for having a say in the decisions that affect you. More »
