Machinery of Government
An introductory course into Aotearoa New Zealand’s Government and the wider workings of the public and state sector environment.
Course overview
This course helps you understand the government environment, structure and processes, as well as the political context within which the state sector operates.
This highly interactive one-day work shop is delivered in a seminar style along with small group discussions. Reading material and supporting notes are provided.
This course also includes a guided tour of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Parliament.
In partnership with
What you'll learn
- Identify the key features of Aotearoa New Zealand’s governmental and political system, especially the elements that are most relevant to those working in public sector organisations
- Discuss the roles, responsibilities and linkages between the public sector and cabinet, parliament and its select committees, and the judiciary
- Provide an overview of how the machinery of government works
- Examine legislation and codes of conduct that govern the work and behaviour of Aotearoa New Zealand state servants
Course modules
- Introduction and guided tour of Parliament
- What is the state in Aotearoa New Zealand?
- The legislature, the executive, and the judiciary
- The public sector, the state sector, and the public service
- Central elements of the ‘Westminster model’ including variations brought about by recent changes
- The machinery of central government
- The change to MMP: implications for state sector officials
- Current issues and challenges in organising the state sector
- Ethics and ethos in the state services
- Concluding thoughts and wrap-up
Further Information
Format
The course will be run as a seminar with full opportunity for engagement by all participants. Reading material along with supporting notes are provided. During the day course members may be invited to carry out small-group discussions of some topics and issues.
Here's what others are saying
“This was a great introductory course for those new to the public service – clear, free and frank advice to set you up for a career with government departments.”
“A clear, succinct explanation about the way our government system works, with real life, useful examples delivered by experienced tutors.”
“This workshop provided a good overview of the workings of Government in New Zealand – very useful if you a new to working in the public service.”
Related courses
Coaching in the Global Enterprise Experience
Effective Writing for Ministers
Working Smarter with AI
Contemporary Secondary Teaching Approaches for Aotearoa New Zealand
