Misplaced Pages

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85-645: Proposals for a railway line on the west coast of the North Island predated proposals for a railway line from Wellington to the Wairarapa , but land-owning interests in the Wairarapa saw that the latter line was given higher priority. Proposals for a line along the west coast did not resurface until 1878, following the completion of the Palmerston North - Foxton Line in 1876. Proposals were based on

170-512: A geographical region of New Zealand , lies in the south-eastern corner of the North Island , east of metropolitan Wellington and south-west of the Hawke's Bay Region . It is lightly populated, having several rural service towns, with Masterton being the largest. It is named after its largest lake, Lake Wairarapa . The region is referred to as The Wairarapa , particularly when used after

255-665: A head of state. This is particularity true when the governor-general visits other nations or receives heads of states. Prior to the Lomé Convention in February 1975, the Queen, rather than the governor-general, would sign treaties on behalf of New Zealand. Following the signing of the convention, the Queen granted "full powers" to the governor-general to sign such instruments. Under the Defence Act 1990 and letters patent

340-446: A minimum of five years but this tenure may also be extended. The Terms of Appointment of the governor-general defines their expected term in office. For instance, Dame Silvia Cartwright would have been in office for five years on 4 April 2006, but her term as governor-general was extended by four months as Prime Minister Helen Clark deemed that "the selection and appointment process [of a new governor-general] [should] not coincide with

425-475: A number of remaining powers, but almost always on the formal advice of the prime minister and other ministers . Ministers are, in turn, accountable to the democratically elected House of Representatives, and through it, to the people. (The governor-general may refuse to follow ministerial advice only in the event that the prime minister loses the confidence of the House of Representatives. ) Even when appointing

510-458: A person claims to have been wrongly convicted or wrongly sentenced. The governor-general acts on the advice of the minister of justice . The governor-general has power to grant a pardon, to refer a person's case back to the court under section 406 of the Crimes Act 1961 , and to reduce a person's sentence. If a person's case is referred back to the court, the court will consider the case in

595-504: A preposition (e.g., locals will say they live "in the Wairarapa", and travel "to" and "from the Wairarapa"). The Wairarapa is shaped like a rectangle, about 130 kilometres (81 mi) long (from Palliser Bay north to Woodville) and 65 kilometres (40 mi) wide (from the Tararua Range east to the coast). The Ngāti Kahungunu tribe's boundary for the region is similar. Their tribal area begins at Pōrangahau and ends at Turakirae. It

680-446: A prime minister, the governor-general rarely exercises discretion; constitutional conventions dictate that they appoint the individual most likely to maintain the House of Representatives' support, usually the leader of the largest party among those forming the government. The governor-general appoints and dismisses Cabinet ministers and other ministers, but exercises such a function only on the prime minister's advice. Thus, in practice,

765-558: A recommendation endorsed by three-quarters of parliament. In its submission to the select committee considering the Bill, the Republican Movement suggested parliament appoint the next governor-general with a three-quarters majority plus a majority of party leaders in parliament, with a similar dismissal process and a fixed five-year term. National MP Nikki Kaye queried whether several one-member parties in parliament could veto

850-563: A serving minister of state , was controversially appointed as governor-general. The Leader of the Opposition, Bill Rowling , complained he had not been consulted by Prime Minister Robert Muldoon on the appointment of Holyoake, and openly suggested that he would have recommended Sir Edmund Hillary instead. (Rowling's remark was in turn criticised by the Government, as Hillary had backed the opposition Labour Party in 1975 as part of

935-547: A similar way to hearing an appeal. The court then provides advice to the governor-general as to how to act. In 2000, David Bain was granted such an appeal to the Court of Appeal , which in turn was appealed to the Privy Council . With most constitutional functions lent to the Government, the governor-general is particularly invested in a representative and ceremonial role. The extent and nature of that role has depended on

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1020-563: A total of $ 18.6 million. These figures are disputed by Monarchy New Zealand, who claim New Zealand Republic "arbitrarily inflated the cost of the Governor-General". As of 2024 , the annual salary is NZ$ 440,000, which is subject to income tax from 2010. Until the end of Sir Anand Satyanand 's term, the salary of governor-general was regulated by the Civil List Act 1979 . From the start of Sir Jerry Mateperae 's term,

1105-575: A view to reducing government expenditure. The Commission reviewed the Wellington - Manawatu line in March 1880, and concluded that work should be abandoned. In response, John Plimmer , considered the "father of Wellington", proposed the formation of a private company to build and operate the line. The Wellington Chamber of Commerce supported the move, and the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company

1190-598: Is Dame Cindy Kiro , since 21 October 2021. Administrative support for the governor-general is provided by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet . Constitutional functions include presiding over the Executive Council , appointing ministers and judges, granting royal assent to legislation, and summoning and dissolving parliament . These functions are generally exercised only according to

1275-574: Is a former chair of Monarchy New Zealand , criticised the proposal, claiming that "[g]iving the Governor-General a new and separate source of democratic legitimacy could result in a separation between Ministers and Governors-General. (...) the Governors-General would have their own independent popular mandate, and become potential political rivals of the Ministers". In February 2008, republican group New Zealand Republic proposed electing

1360-651: Is a nominal chief executive, acting within the constraints of constitutional convention and precedent. Although the governor-general's powers are in theory extensive, they are in practice very limited; most political power is exercised by the New Zealand Parliament (which is composed of the Governor-General-in-Parliament and the House of Representatives ), through the prime minister and Cabinet . The governor-general does use

1445-463: Is exacerbated by the reluctance of the monarch or their representatives to become politically involved. Three 19th-century New Zealand governors were recalled from office: William Hobson (who died before he was officially recalled), Robert FitzRoy , and Sir George Grey . All three governed before the institution of responsible government in New Zealand; they were dismissed on the advice of

1530-636: Is helpful. The State Highway 2, via Rimutaka Hill Road connects the region to Wellington in the south and the Manawatū in the north. The Wairarapa railway line connects the region via the Rimutaka Tunnel to Wellington. A commuter rail passenger service, the Wairarapa Connection from Masterton to Wellington is operated by Metlink Wellington for Metlink . Before 2016, it was operated by Tranz Metro . Many residents, especially in

1615-544: Is marked by the opening of parliament , during which the governor-general delivers the ' Speech from the Throne ' in the Legislative Council Chamber , outlining the Government's legislative agenda. Dissolution ends a parliamentary term (which lasts a maximum of three years), and is followed by a general election for all seats in the House of Representatives. These powers are almost always exercised on

1700-561: Is now meant to consult with the leader of the opposition during the nomination process, to avoid partisan controversy, and informally seek approval for the appointment from the monarch. The decision is then kept confidential until both the New Zealand Government and Buckingham Palace (the royal household) announce the appointment simultaneously. Beginning with the appointment of Sir David Beattie in 1980, lawyers and judges have predominated as governors-general. Following

1785-715: Is part of the Tararua District and is in the Manawatū-Whanganui region, because it is in the catchment of the headwaters of the Manawatū River . The river runs westward between the two mountain ranges ( Tararua Range to the south and Ruahine Range to the north) via the Manawatū Gorge , to pass through Palmerston North and reach the west coast of the North Island. The east coast contains settlements such as Tīnui , Castlepoint , and Riversdale Beach , while

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1870-593: Is present in New Zealand the King may exercise his powers personally. Every power conferred on the Governor-General by or under any Act is a royal power which is exercisable by the Governor-General on behalf of the Sovereign, and may accordingly be exercised either by the Sovereign in person or by the governor-general. Further constitutional duties are outlined in the Constitution Act. The governor-general

1955-739: Is the fastest growing area in New Zealand and the Masterton District Council covers areas up to the Tararua District. As such, the majority — but not all — of the Wairarapa lies within the Wellington Region . In terms of national politics, after the proportional representation electoral system was introduced in 1996, the Wairarapa electorate expanded to include southern Hawke's Bay. The area from Mount Bruce north, extending through Eketāhuna , Pahiatua , Woodville , Dannevirke , to just north of Norsewood

2040-473: Is the southernmost of their three rohe (homelands) running down the eastern North Island from Wairoa. For the Rangitāne tribe, the Wairarapa is part of a wider homeland that includes Manawatū and Horowhenua. The north–south divide was reinforced in 1989, when local authority boundaries changed. The new Tararua District Council covers northern Wairarapa and southern Hawke's Bay. The central and southern Wairarapa

2125-611: The Constitution Act 1986 explicitly identifies the monarch as New Zealand's head of state . The monarch of New Zealand appoints the governor-general on the sole recommendation of the prime minister of New Zealand , by commission issued under the Seal of New Zealand , known as the "Terms of Appointment". Constitutional convention adopted in 1930, following the Imperial Conference held that year, allowed for

2210-437: The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet prepares a short list of candidates for the office. By convention, the leader of the Opposition is consulted on the appointment; this has not always been the case. On only one occasion has the prime minister's choice of appointee aroused public anger or complaint, and that controversy was short-lived. In 1977, Sir Keith Holyoake , a former National Party prime minister and

2295-572: The Governor-General Act 2010 applies. The governor-general's main residence is Government House, Wellington , and there is a small secondary northern residence, Government House, Auckland . Government House in Wellington closed in October 2008 for a major $ 44 million conservation and rebuilding project and was reopened in March 2011. In November 2012, Prince Charles opened a visitor centre at Government House in Wellington to mark

2380-631: The New Zealand Constitution Act 1852 contained a provision for the governor to be elected by New Zealand's parliament. This provision was removed from the final enactment, probably because the Colonial Office wanted to keep a check on New Zealand's colonial government. In 1887, Sir George Grey, by then also a former premier, moved the Election of Governor Bill to make the office of governor an elective position. The Bill

2465-514: The United Kingdom , he, on the advice of his New Zealand prime minister , appoints a governor-general to carry out his constitutional and ceremonial duties within the Realm of New Zealand . Governors-general are typically appointed for a five-year term of office, subject to a possible short extension, though they formally serve " at the monarch's pleasure ". The incumbent governor-general

2550-584: The introduction of MMP in 1996, it has been determined that an understanding of constitutional law is an important prerequisite for candidacy to the office. The first governor-general to preside over a MMP general election was Sir Michael Hardie Boys , a retired high court judge. Hardie Boys was appointed in 1995 on the advice of then prime minister Jim Bolger , following notification of all leaders of parties then represented in parliament, to ensure broad cross-party support. Following Hardie Boys' appointment other party leaders are only notified very shortly before

2635-409: The " Citizens for Rowling " campaign. ) It was suggested by many commentators that it would be inappropriate to entrust the office to a former party leader or anyone who is closely allied with a political party; despite his background, Holyoake could not be said to have discharged his duties in a partisan way, and he stayed in office for only three years. Since Holyoake's appointment, the prime minister

Wellington–Manawatu Line - Misplaced Pages Continue

2720-599: The 1850s. On 23 January 1855 the strongest earthquake recorded in New Zealand hit the region; it reached magnitude 8.2 on the Richter Scale and caused five deaths among the then sparse population. In World War II United States Marine Corps soldiers were stationed in the Wairarapa with two battalions in Masterton . The agricultural industries, including forestry, cropping, sheep, beef and dairy farming, are major land users. The area around Martinborough , in

2805-510: The British (Imperial) government. The governor-general's functions can be informally divided into three areas: constitutional, ceremonial and community. By constitutional convention, the governor-general is "above party politics" and not involved in the day to day decision making of government. The Constitution Act 1986 provides that "the Governor-General appointed by the Sovereign is

2890-603: The Cabinet. The primary function of the Executive Council is to collectively and formally advise the governor-general to issue Orders in Council (to make, for example, regulations or appointments), which operate under the authority of "the Governor-General in Council". Every reference in any Act to the Governor-General in Council or any other like expression includes a reference to the Sovereign acting by and with

2975-514: The Governor-General. While the Queen and her representative exercise these powers as a matter of law, as a matter of convention, both the Queen and the Governor-General act on the advice of the democratically elected government, in all but the most exceptional circumstances. The governor-general also exercises the royal prerogative of mercy , an ancient right of convicted persons to seek a review of their case where they allege an injustice may have occurred. The prerogative of mercy can be exercised where

3060-502: The House of Representatives on 27 August 1878. The final details of the survey were completed, and the first construction workers were hired on 21 August 1879. However, Grey's government was defeated in October 1879, and the government of Sir John Hall elected in its place. Hall had the line removed from the Public Works Estimates and then created a Royal Commission to review the government's public works programme, with

3145-410: The New Zealand monarch. In 1972, Sir Denis Blundell became the first New Zealand resident to be appointed to the office. When travelling abroad, particularly more frequently since the late 20th century, the governor-general is seen as the national representative of New Zealand; for this reason, the governor-general has been described by academics and politicians as the de facto head of state, though

3230-601: The No 13 Contract from Pukerua Bay to Paekākāriki, was the most difficult; see North–South Junction . It included six tunnels built against a steep cliff face. A temporary tramway was constructed from below No. 13 tunnel to allow goods and passengers to be transhipped to a stagecoach to Foxton. Material for the construction of the tunnels between Paekākāriki and Pukerua Bay were unloaded at a makeshift wharf constructed in Brendan's Bay. Meanwhile, rails were within two miles of Waikanae in

3315-637: The Realm of New Zealand". The governor initially represented the British monarch and the British government . Therefore, many past officeholders were from the United Kingdom, including a succession of minor aristocrats from the 1890s onwards. In a gradual process, especially with the adoption of the Statute of Westminster in 1947, the governor-general has become the independent, personal representative of

3400-694: The Royal Prerogative under the reserve powers is non- justiciable ; that is, they cannot be challenged by judicial review , unlike the actions of other members of the executive (such as the Prime Minister in Fitzgerald v Muldoon ). The Queen has the power to appoint and dismiss Ministers and other important office holders, summon and dissolve Parliament, assent to Bills passed by the House of Representatives, and agree to regulations and Orders submitted by Ministers through Executive Council. The Queen delegates most of her powers to her representative,

3485-594: The Sovereign's representative in New Zealand". The governor-general is delegated the sovereign's Royal Prerogative (royal powers), including the reserve powers , on behalf of the sovereign. All of the executive authority of the New Zealand monarch (except for the appointment of the governor-general) is delegated to the governor-general by the sovereign under the Letters Patent 1983 : ...We do hereby authorise and empower Our Governor-General, except as may be otherwise provided by law,— (a) to exercise on Our behalf

Wellington–Manawatu Line - Misplaced Pages Continue

3570-466: The Terms of Appointment are counter-signed by the prime minister, to signify that the prime minister is responsible for advising the sovereign on the appointment. The prime minister's advice has sometimes been the result of a decision by Cabinet; there is no requirement for this, and there have been a number of instances where the governor-general was appointed with no consultation of Cabinet. Since 1980,

3655-789: The Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark-Sky Association . It was the second dark sky reserve to be certified in New Zealand (after the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve was recognised in 2012). The certification of the new dark sky reserve was the result of 5 years of volunteer work by the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve Association and local partner organisations. The area covered by

3740-661: The abandoned section of the line. Only one change was made to the Public Works surveys - the line was to connect with the government's line at Longburn, instead of Foxton, leaving the Palmerston North - Foxton Line a branch line . The company immediately let contracts for construction from Wellington to Wadestown , now part of the Johnsonville Line . They hired Harry Higginson , a distinguished engineer from Dunedin, to oversee construction. Higginson brought with him brothers Arthur and James Fulton . Arthur Fulton

3825-454: The abolition of democracy. The Parliamentary Library notes that due to constitutional convention, the ability to withhold assent has been rendered ineffective, stating "...a Governor-General's powers to withhold the Royal assent to Bills (essential for legislation to be enacted) has been rendered ineffective by convention." As with other Commonwealth realms, the governor-general's exercise of

3910-485: The advice and consent of the Executive Council. The governor-general also has custody of the Seal of New Zealand for all official instruments of His Majesty's Government in New Zealand. The governor-general summons and dissolves the New Zealand Parliament, acting in the absence of the sovereign. Each parliamentary session begins with the governor-general's summons. The new parliamentary session

3995-430: The advice of an elected government. The governor-general also has an important ceremonial role: hosting events at Government House in Wellington, and travelling throughout New Zealand to open conferences, attend services and commemorations, and generally provide encouragement to individuals and groups who are contributing to their communities. The current office traces its origins to when the administration of New Zealand

4080-436: The advice of the prime minister, it is unclear how quickly the monarch would act on such advice. Some constitutional lawyers dispute whether the monarch would implement such advice at all, while others argue that they would delay its implementation. Others argue that the monarch would be obliged to follow the prime minister's advice (so long as the prime minister has the confidence of the House of Representatives), and further that

4165-426: The advice of the prime minister, who also determines the date of an election. The governor-general may theoretically refuse a dissolution, but the circumstances under which such an action would be warranted are unclear. It might be justified if a minority government had served only briefly and another party or coalition seemed likely to have better success in holding the confidence of the House. People tend to think

4250-414: The announcement is made, if at all. There has been on-and-off speculation that a member of the royal family might take up the position. In 2004, National MP Richard Worth , an avowed monarchist , asked Prime Minister Helen Clark whether she had considered nominating the Queen 's son, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex , to be the next governor-general. The commission of appointment is publicly read in

4335-434: The appointment of the governor-general to be made upon the advice of the New Zealand Government, though that right was not exercised directly by a New Zealand prime minister until 1967, with the appointment of the first New Zealand-born governor-general, Sir Arthur Porritt on the advice of Keith Holyoake . The next governor-general, Sir Denis Blundell , was the first New Zealand born and resident governor-general. Today,

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4420-565: The bridge. In August the Wadestown - Crofton section contract was let, with the construction of two tunnels. The next contract let was for Johnsonville to Porirua, including the Belmont Viaduct, the highest on the line. The formation reached Paremata by mid-January 1885, with rails being laid over this section six months later. The rails from Paremata reached Pukerua Bay in 1885; the No 12 or Pukerua contract. The next section,

4505-481: The community. Governors-general are always the patrons of many charitable, service, sporting and cultural organisations. The sponsorship or patronage of the governor-general signals that an organisation is worthy of wide support. This follows the tradition of royal patronage established by British monarchs; the practice of issuing royal warrant of appointment has been discontinued in New Zealand. Some governors and their spouses founded or supported new charities ; in

4590-415: The date the governor-general signs the bill. The governor-general acts with the advice of the prime minister, unless the prime minister has lost the confidence of the House of Representatives. These are the so-called ' reserve powers '. These powers include the ability to: The exercise of the above powers is a matter of continuing debate. Constitutional commentators believe that the governor-general (or

4675-468: The decision, which could give them too much power if an appointment was based on one vote per leader. The Republican Movement responded that the method would ensure appointments were made that most MPs and parties found acceptable. The governor-general holds office at His Majesty's pleasure , under clause II of the Letters Patent 1983. It is the norm that an appointed individual holds office for

4760-561: The early 1900s, Lord Plunket and his wife, Lady Victoria, presided over the creation of Truby King 's Plunket Society . Until the later 20th century, many governors and governors-general were grand masters of the Freemasons, and they included visits to lodges as a part of their tours of the country. The governor-general has also had a long association with the Order of St John , traditionally serving as prior in New Zealand. Many of

4845-481: The executive authority of Our Realm of New Zealand, either directly or through officers subordinate to Our Governor-General; and (b) for greater certainty, but not so as to restrict the generality of the foregoing provisions of this clause, to do and execute in like manner all things that belong to the Office of Governor-General including the powers and authorities hereinafter conferred by these Our Letters Patent. When he

4930-407: The expectations of the time, the individual in office at the time, the wishes of the incumbent government, and the individual's reputation in the wider community. The governor-general will host the monarch or their family, as well as foreign royalty and heads of state, and will represent New Zealand abroad on state visits to other nations. At least once during their term, the governor-general visits

5015-423: The future. The New Zealand Government pays for the costs associated with the governor-general. Monarchy New Zealand states "[t]his figure is about one dollar per person per year", about $ 4.3 million per annum. An analysis by New Zealand Republic of the 2010 budget shows the office of governor-general costs New Zealand taxpayers about $ 7.6 million in ongoing costs and $ 11 million for Government House upgrades,

5100-400: The governor-general as an interim step to a republic, arguing "Electing the Governor-General allows for easier transition to a republic because the populace is used to electing someone as a ceremonial de facto head of state." With the introduction of the Governor-General Act 2010 , Green MP Keith Locke suggested parliament recommend the next governor-general's appointment to the Queen, with

5185-421: The governor-general hosts many community functions at Government House, Wellington , such as a garden reception to mark Waitangi Day . According to the official website of the governor-general, in a typical year over 15,000 people will attend such events. Starting from New Year's Day 2009, the governor-general issues a New Year's Message to bring to attention issues New Zealanders might consider as they look to

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5270-602: The governor-general is also the titular commander-in-chief of the Defence Force . The position technically involves issuing commands for New Zealand troops, though the governor-general only acts on the advice of the minister of defence and other ministers. In practice, the commander-in-chief is a ceremonial role in which the governor-general will see troops off to and return from active duty and visit military bases in New Zealand and abroad to take part in military ceremonies. The governor-general provides leadership in

5355-399: The governor-general's community functions have a ceremonial dimension, such as attendance at the official openings of buildings, addresses to open conferences, or launching special events and appeals. The governor-general attends state banquets and receptions, making and hosting state visits, meeting ceremonial groups, and awarding medals and decorations . As well as attending public events,

5440-526: The governor-general. If there is no chief justice available then the next most senior judge of the New Zealand judiciary who is able so to act is appointed as administrator. Prior to the granting of responsible government in 1856, the colonial secretary acted as administrator when a governor was absent. The prime minister may advise the monarch to dismiss (recall) the governor-general. As no New Zealand governor-general has ever been dismissed on

5525-493: The lake appeared to glisten from the Remutaka Ranges to the west. During British colonial times the region was also known colloquially as The Wydrop . Rangitāne and Ngāti Kahungunu were the resident Māori tribes ( iwi ) when European explorers arrived in the area in the 1770s. European settlement began in the early 1840s, initially on large grazing runs leased from Māori , and with closer settlement from

5610-492: The line from the Hutt Valley. The Public Works Department conducted a number of surveys a concluded there were three possible routes: The final option was settled on, as the first two required significant tunnelling, then not feasible (Wellington had a population of just 22,000 in 1878). The government of Sir George Grey approved the construction of the line, which was included in the Public Works Estimates, reported to

5695-461: The main southern rivers drain through or past Lake Wairarapa to discharge into Palliser Bay east of Cook Strait . The name Wairarapa means "glistening waters" in te reo Māori . According to some oral histories, the Polynesian explorer Kupe named the wetlands after touching down in the area several times. According to other oral histories, explorer Haunui named the wetlands after the way

5780-423: The monarch would be bound to implement the prime minister's advice immediately if so advised. Critics (such as supporters of a New Zealand republic ) have described the ability of the prime minister to advise the monarch to recall the governor-general as a flaw in New Zealand's constitutional makeup that gives the governor-general and the prime minister the ability to dismiss one another. They argue that this flaw

5865-480: The monarch) by a 60 percent majority of votes in parliament. James argued that the New Zealand public should be given the ability to choose the Queen's representative and that the current system is undemocratic and not transparent. Such a system is not unique: the governors-general of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands are nominated in such a way. Constitutional law specialist Professor Noel Cox , who

5950-400: The north by 25 September, with a service from Otaki connecting the two railheads. The laying of the line from Pukerua Bay to Paekākāriki was completed on 4 October 1886, and on 27 October the lines from Waikanae and Paekākāriki met at Otaihanga . The first revenue-earning train, a stock train from Longburn to Johnsonville with 355 sheep and 60 head of cattle, was on 30 October. The section

6035-601: The office of the governor-general is of little significance, which is wrong, or that it represents a substantial check on the excesses of executive government, which is also wrong. Before a bill can become law, the Royal Assent is required. The governor-general acts on the monarch's behalf and grants Royal Assent (making the bill law). By modern constitutional convention, the Royal Assent is invariably granted, and bills are never disallowed. A law comes into effect from

6120-535: The other nations within the Realm of New Zealand: Niue , the Cook Islands and Tokelau , and the Ross Dependency . Also as part of international relations, the governor-general issues the credentials (called letter of credence ) of New Zealand ambassadors and consuls, as authorised by the Letters Patent. Increasingly, the governor-general is personally accorded the same respect and privileges of

6205-404: The pre-election period". A vacancy will occur on the resignation, death, incapacity or absence from New Zealand territory of the governor-general. In the absence of a governor-general the chief justice (currently Helen Winkelmann ) becomes the administrator of the Government and performs the functions of the office of governor-general. The administrator is required to take an oath similar to

6290-470: The presence of the chief justice and the members of the Executive Council before the governor-general enters office. The chief justice or other High Court judge then administers the Oath (or Affirmation) of Allegiance, and the Oath (or Affirmation) of Office to the governor-general. From time to time, there have been proposals to elect the governor-general. When first drafted by then Governor George Grey ,

6375-455: The prime minister, and not the governor-general, exercises complete control over the composition of the Cabinet. The governor-general may, in theory, unilaterally dismiss a prime minister, but convention and precedent bar such an action. The governor-general presides over, but is not a member of, the Executive Council of New Zealand . The Executive Council (which comprises all ministers) exists and meets to give legal effect to decisions made by

6460-537: The reserve includes the Aorangi Forest Park , and the South Wairarapa and Carterton Districts. Governor-General of New Zealand The governor-general of New Zealand ( Māori : Te kāwana tianara o Aotearoa ) is the representative of the monarch of New Zealand , currently King Charles III . As the King is concurrently the monarch of 14 other Commonwealth realms and lives in

6545-404: The south, is notable for its vineyards and wine, as are the outskirts of Masterton and Carterton. Beer has been brewed at Mangatainoka, near Pahiatua , since 1889. There are over 60 wineries in the region since the weather is very similar to Burgundy. Deer farming is growing in importance. The region is no longer well served by different transport modes, unless traveling to Wellington. A car

6630-528: The southern towns such as Featherston and Greytown , commute to work in Wellington , either by train or over the Rimutaka Ranges by car or motorcycle. Many of New Zealand's endangered native bird species can be seen at the Pukaha / Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre , which is just south of Eketāhuna . In January 2023, an area of 3,665 square kilometres (1,415 sq mi), was certified as

6715-440: The sovereign) does not have the power to refuse the Royal Assent to legislation — former law professor and Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey Palmer and Professor Matthew Palmer argue that any refusal of the Royal Assent would cause a constitutional crisis . Constitutional lawyers, such as Professor Philip Joseph, believe the governor-general does retain the power to refuse the Royal Assent to bills in exceptional circumstances, such as

6800-686: Was divided into three district councils: Masterton, Carterton and the South Wairarapa. South Wairarapa District Council , based in Martinborough, is the local government authority for areas south of Carterton, encompassing the towns of Greytown, Featherston and Martinborough and the rural areas down to the Hutt. It is separated from Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt cities by the Rimutaka Ranges . Carterton District Council based in Carterton

6885-523: Was formed in May 1881. That year the government passed the Railway Construction and Land Act, which allowed joint stock companies to build and run private railways, so long as they were built to the government's specified gauge and connected with a government line. The company signed a contract to construct the line in 1882, acquiring the land on which the line was to be built and materials used in

6970-637: Was given responsibility for the Longburn to Waikanae section, and James the Waikanae to Wellington section. A contract was let in April 1882 for the construction of the Longburn - Manawatu River section, which included the Manawatu River bridge, the longest on the line. Higginson had a special wharf built on the Manawatu River near the bridge site, to allow steamers to offload construction materials for

7055-484: Was narrowly defeated 46–48, being opposed by the government of Harry Atkinson . In 1889, Grey tried again with another bill, which if passed would have allowed for a " British subject " to be elected to the office of governor "precisely as an ordinary parliamentary election in each district." In 2006, political commentator Colin James suggested that the governor-general could be elected (or, more correctly, nominated to

7140-699: Was officially opened on 3 November 1886, when the last spike was driven at a public ceremony by the Governor of New Zealand , Sir William Jervois . A public timetable was introduced on 1 December 1886. The following contracts were let by the WMR for construction of the line in 1882-85; The northern section supervised by James Fulton comprised (from North to South): The southern section supervised by Arthur Fultoncomprised (from North to South): Wairarapa The Wairarapa ( / ˌ w aɪ r ə ˈ r æ p ə / ; Māori pronunciation: [ˈwaiɾaɾapa] ),

7225-461: Was placed under the Colony of New South Wales in 1839 and its governor was given jurisdiction over New Zealand. New Zealand would become its own colony the next year with its own governor. The modern title and functions of the "governor-general" came into being in 1917, and the office is currently mandated by Letters Patent issued in 1983 , constituting "the Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of

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