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Overview

The 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.

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 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,103.10
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
One 100-level POLS paper or 72 Arts points
Restriction
POLS 337
Recommended Preparation
POLS 102
Schedule C
Arts and Music
Eligibility

Suitable for students with a 100-level POLS paper (POLS102 highly recommended) or with 72 Arts points at the 100-level.

Contact

janine.hayward@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Professor Janine Hayward

Paper Structure

The paper covers 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 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.

Overview

The 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.

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
One 100-level POLS paper or 72 Arts points
Restriction
POLS 337
Recommended Preparation
POLS 102
Schedule C
Arts and Music
Contact

janine.hayward@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Professor Janine Hayward

Paper Structure

The paper covers 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
Lifelong learning, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Environmental literacy, Information literacy.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the paper will have:

  • The ability to characterise 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.
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