New Zealand politics

New Zealand politics operates as a parliamentary democracy within a constitutional monarchy. The country has a mixed-member proportional representation system, allowing voters to choose both a local representative and a party. The Parliament consists of the House of Representatives, where the political party or coalition with the majority forms the government. The Prime Minister, usually the leader of the governing party, heads the government. New Zealand has various political parties, with Labour and National being the two largest. Key issues often include the economy, social welfare, environmental policy, and indigenous rights, particularly concerning Māori communities.