Since 2000, I have been testing a hypothesis that our traditional Westminster-derived model is under strain. My instincts are that we are beyond Westminster. To evaluate that hypothesis, I use Rhodes, Wanna and Weller’s framework, which emphasises five key elements: parliamentary sovereignty, strong cabinet government, ministerial responsibility, party government, and institutionalised opposition. Each year, as…

For the last quarter-century, I’ve examined the hypothesis that Aotearoa-New Zealand’s Westminster-derived governance model is under increasing strain. The traditional pressure points remain relevant: the shift to mixed-member-proportional representation, evolving foreign policy alliances affecting parliamentary sovereignty, expanded use of associate ministers and undersecretaries, coalition dynamics challenging cabinet solidarity, inadequate regulatory oversight, and the growing influence…

As we enter the third year of examining our governance model’s evolution, the central hypothesis remains: Aotearoa-New Zealand’s Westminster-derived system continues to show significant signs of strain. While most indicators remain consistent with last year’s assessment, two notable shifts warrant attention. First, there’s a marked decline in the Cabinet’s narrative capability. Despite considerable activity and…

A year ago, I posited that Aotearoa-New Zealand’s Westminster-derived governance model showed signs of systemic strain. The identified pressure points were numerous and significant: the transition to mixed-member-proportional representation, the expanded use of associate ministers and parliamentary undersecretaries, the integration of non-government ministers into the Cabinet, the frequent threats to cabinet solidarity by coalition partners,…

Aotearoa-New Zealand’s political and administrative landscape is undergoing a profound transformation that challenges its Westminster foundations. Multiple forces are driving this evolution: the complex dynamics of a post-colonial state, a hollowed-out public service increasingly reliant on non-state actors for delivery, and political parties struggling to attract high-calibre talent for senior positions. The strain on our…

IPANZ asked me to write an article for Public Sector asking whether the new public service legislation will truly allow the exercise of rangatiratanga. My answer: probably not.