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| New Zealand's 19th Governor-General, The Honourable Anand Satyanand, PCNZM, QSO |
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The Sovereign and the House of Representatives together make up the Parliament
of New Zealand. The Governor-General signs into law (gives Royal Assent
to) bills that have been passed by the House of Representatives. The Constitution
Act empowers the Governor-General to summon and dissolve Parliament. The
Governor-General also presides at meetings of the Executive Council (Council
members are Ministers of the Crown) and signs regulations (as Orders in
Council).
By convention, the Governor-General is, in general, bound to act on the
advice of Ministers who have the support of the House of Representatives.
It is the duty of Ministers to keep the Governor-General informed about
government business. As well as having the right to be informed, the Governor-General
may also encourage, warn and offer suggestions to Ministers.
In addition, and again on the advice of Ministers, the Governor-General
appoints members of the judiciary and Justices of the Peace; may exercise
the royal prerogative of mercy; and signs the commissions of officers
in the New Zealand Defence Force and the warrants for Royal Commissions.
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