What does New Zealand Parliament do?

The New Zealand Parliament is the country's supreme legislative body, operating as a unicameral parliament within a constitutional monarchy. It consists of the House of Representatives, which includes around 120 elected Members of Parliament (MPs), and the Governor-General, who represents the Sovereign. The Parliament functions within a parliamentary democracy, ensuring a separation of powers among the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Parliament's key roles include representing New Zealanders, making laws, holding the government accountable, and scrutinizing executive actions. MPs are elected every three years through a Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) system. The legislative process involves multiple readings and committee reviews before bills receive royal assent. Various supporting agencies, such as the Parliamentary Service and the Office of the Clerk, assist in the operations of Parliament, providing administrative support and legal advice.