Overview
Advanced study of institutions, people, and processes in government in New Zealand. Topics include: the constitution; Te Tiriti of Waitangi; branches of government; political parties; elections; policy debates; policy making.
Advanced knowledge of New Zealand government and constitution is a foundational skill for a wide range of careers locally, nationally and internationally.
About this paper
| Paper title | New Zealand Government and Constitution |
|---|---|
| Subject | Politics |
| EFTS | 0.1500 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2026 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,103.10 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- 18 200-level POLS points
- Restriction
- POLS 237
- Recommended Preparation
- POLS 102
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Eligibility
Suitable for students with a 200-level paper in Politics (and POLS 102 highly recommended).
- Contact
- More information link
You can view more information about this paper on the Politics website.
- Teaching staff
- Paper Structure
The paper critically assesses key political institutions (such as Parliament), actors (such as Ministers of the Crown) and processes (such as policy making).
- Textbooks
Readings will be available through eReserve.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Ethics, Lifelong learning, Cultural understanding, Self-motivation and Teamwork, Environmental literacy.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.- Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will have the ability to:
- Characterise and critically assess the institutions, processes, roles and responsibilities of parts of government/the constitution.
- Identify where power lies in Aotearoa me te Waipounamu (New Zealand), particularly from the perspective of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and te ao Māori.
- Conceptualise political perspectives and policy debates in New Zealand politics.
Overview
Advanced study of institutions, people, and processes in government in New Zealand. Topics include: the constitution; Te Tiriti of Waitangi; branches of government; political parties; elections; policy debates; policy making.
Advanced knowledge of New Zealand government and constitution is a foundational skill for a wide range of careers locally, nationally and internationally.
About this paper
| Paper title | New Zealand Government and Constitution |
|---|---|
| Subject | Politics |
| EFTS | 0.1500 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- 18 200-level POLS points
- Restriction
- POLS 237
- Recommended Preparation
- POLS 102
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Contact
- More information link
You can view more information about this paper on the Politics website.
- Teaching staff
- Paper Structure
The paper critically assesses key political institutions (such as Parliament), actors (such as Ministers of the Crown) and processes (such as policy making).
- Textbooks
The course uses the textbook Government and Politics in Aotearoa New Zealand. The 8th edition is due to be published in 2027.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Ethics, Lifelong learning, Cultural understanding, Self-motivation and Teamwork, Environmental literacy.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.- Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will have the ability to:
- Characterise and critically assess the institutions, processes, roles and responsibilities of parts of government/the constitution.
- Identify where power lies in Aotearoa me te Waipounamu (New Zealand), particularly from the perspective of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Māori.
- Conceptualise political perspectives and policy debates in New Zealand politics.