✨ Speech from the Throne
4768 NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE No. 182
HONOURABLE MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. It is a privilege for me to exercise for the first time the prerogative of Her Majesty the Queen in opening this, the 45th Parliament.
In 1993, New Zealand voters decided that this Parliament should be elected on the basis of Mixed Member Proportional representation. The last Parliament enacted legislation to finalise the procedures for the 1996 general election. Standing Orders of the House were revised in December 1995, and refined in August 1996, to facilitate the conduct of business in the new era.
Much of the nine week period since polling day has seen the process of discussion on government formation pursued by the leadership of the relevant political parties. The National-United coalition has remained in office as the government.
Within the last few days the clear picture has emerged that the Rt Hon James Bolger commands the support of the majority of this House. The coalition agreement committed to by the National Party and by New Zealand First provides the basis for this assessment. Accordingly, I have invited Mr Bolger to form a new ministry. Arrangements are in train formally to appoint the members of the Executive of the National - New Zealand First coalition government early next week.
The process of negotiations to form a new government, while long, was necessary. There was a clear process to reach an agreement that would provide certainty. There were conventions and principles as to the manner in which government operated in the meantime. I commend the leaders of all of the political parties for the efforts they expended in negotiating the formation of a government.
The incoming National-New Zealand First government has announced the fundamental principles designed to guide its decisions and policy intentions within the financial parameters agreed for the next 3 years.
Those principles recognise our distinctive history as New Zealanders - our culture, institutions and values. They recognise the need for continued sound economic policy and social policies reflecting the value that New Zealanders place on family, education and work, and on fairness and compassion.
The principles emphasise the fundamental importance of a strong economy based on sound, stable government implementing orthodox policies in line with or better than best international practice. That includes commitments to strong growth; to price stability; to an open internationally competitive economy; to prudent, conservative fiscal management with reducing taxes and debt; and to better national savings performance.
The incoming coalition government has, in these principles, made clear its commitment to build on the benefits of the New Zealand environment to enhance the quality of life for all our people. It has committed itself to the economic and social development of New Zealand. It is also concerned to focus on the key elements for Maori of health, education and training, employment and sound economic resource development and on the settlement of outstanding Maori claims and grievances. It will devote
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VUW Te Waharoa —
NZ Gazette 1996, No 182
NZLII —
NZ Gazette 1996, No 182
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Speech from the Throne delivered by the Governor-General
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🏛️ Governance & Central Administration13 December 1996
Speech from the Throne, Governor-General, Government Address, 45th Parliament, Mixed Member Proportional representation, Coalition Government, National-New Zealand First
- James Bolger (Rt Hon), Invited to form a new ministry