How Laws Are Made In New Zealand

Who is responsible for laws? 
Government.

What are the three groups responsible for laws? 
Government, Parliment, courts.


Who is responsible for signing a new law to make it official?
The courts.

What is a bill?
The word bill is used to refer to an idea or suggestion for a law.

What is a law?
Laws are the rules of a nation that everyone is expected to follow.

The steps in making a new law.

Bill is introduced to Parliament.

First reading in Parliament followed by a debate about whether the bill should go ahead. A vote is then taken. If Parliament votes ‘no’ the bill does not become a law. If Parliament votes ‘yes’ the bill continues on through the process.

Sent to Select Committee. The public can state whether they agree with the bill or not and may also present their opinions to the Select Committee.

The Select Committee makes a report on the bill which includes the changes made based on public opinion.

The second reading in Parliament followed by a debate about whether the bill changes should go ahead. A vote is then taken from the Select Committee. If they vote ‘no’ the changes to the bill are dismissed. If the changes are accepted the main bill is changed to include them.

FINAL STEPS INTO MAKING THE LAW

6. Parliament then votes on whether the bill should progress with new changes.
7. The Committee of the Whole House considers every single clause of the bill individually. Changes are made and MP’s may speak for or against the bill.
8. Third reading in Parliament with the final bill being read and debated. A final vote is cast. At this point, it is unlikely for the bill to fail. If Parliament votes yes it goes onto become a law.
9. Royal assent is required for a bill to become an Act of Parliament. The Governor General signs on behalf of the Queen, making it an official law.