Parliamentary Practice in New Zealand
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Description
Parliamentary Practice in New Zealand provides a detailed description of New Zealand’s parliamentary practice. It is an authoritative text for use by members of Parliament, public servants, academics, parliamentary officers and other working professionals who have an interest in Parliament, such as the legal profession. This fourth edition incorporates a decade of developments since the third edition in 2005, and reflects many significant changes in parliamentary law, practice and procedure, including: the Parliamentary Privilege Act 2014 how the House and its committees conduct legislative and financial scrutiny the use of extended sittings by the House the increased role of the Business Committee to manage the transaction of parliamentary business how the work of the House and its committees is communicated to the public. This new edition features an attractive design and accessible structure, with extensive indexing and references.
AI Overview
"Parliamentary Practice in New Zealand" by David McGee is a definitive guide to the practices and procedures of the New Zealand House of Representatives. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:
Key Themes
- Parliamentary Procedure: The book provides a detailed description of the procedures and practices followed in the New Zealand Parliament, drawing from the Westminster system, which is the model for the New Zealand House of Representatives[1][2][3].
- Authoritative Text: It is considered an authoritative text for understanding New Zealand's parliamentary system, making it a valuable resource for lawmakers, scholars, and anyone interested in the workings of the New Zealand Parliament[2][3].
- Historical Context: The book includes historical context, particularly in earlier editions, which provide insights into the evolution of parliamentary practices in New Zealand[4].
Plot Summary
The book does not have a narrative plot but rather a structured guide to parliamentary procedures. It covers various aspects such as:
- Legislative Process: The steps involved in passing legislation, including introduction, debate, and voting[5].
- Constitutional Function: The role of the House of Representatives in providing representation and passing legislation on behalf of the people, as well as its role in responsible government[5].
- Urgency in Legislation: The use of urgency in the legislative process, including trends, motivations, and constraints on its use, which is particularly relevant given the introduction of mixed-member proportional representation (MMP) in New Zealand[4].
Critical Reception
While specific reviews are not readily available, the book is widely regarded as a comprehensive and authoritative guide to New Zealand's parliamentary practice. Its editions have been well-received by scholars and practitioners of parliamentary affairs. The fifth edition, which incorporates developments since 2017, provides an authoritative snapshot of parliamentary practice, law, and procedure as at early 2023[1].
Editions and Authors
- Author: David McGee was the Clerk of the House of Representatives from 1985 to 2007 and authored the first three editions of "Parliamentary Practice in New Zealand"[1][5].
- Editions: The book has been published in multiple editions, with the fifth edition being the most recent. Each edition reflects updates in parliamentary practices and procedures[1].
In summary, "Parliamentary Practice in New Zealand" by David McGee is a seminal work that provides a detailed and authoritative guide to the practices and procedures of the New Zealand House of Representatives. It is a valuable resource for understanding the workings of the New Zealand Parliament and its historical context.