Head of state
SourcedRepresented by the Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro, whose term was extended from 21 October 2026 to 31 March 2027 so that the choice of her successor does not overlap the 2026 election campaign.
A general election is scheduled for 7 November 2026 (source: nzl-wiki-election-2026). The list covers all ministers of the executive, inside and outside Cabinet: the official ministerial list (DPMC) and the Beehive site could not be read by automated access, so Cabinet membership and rank are not confirmed. Titles summarise each minister's portfolios rather than quoting the official warrant wording.
- Head of state
- Charles IIIKing
- Head of government
- Christopher LuxonPrime Minister
- System
- Constitutional monarchyCapital: Wellington
- UN e-government rank
- 16 of 193EGDI 2024
New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy[1]. The head of state is King Charles III[3][4]. The government is led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon[3][5]. Govpedia records 27 members of its cabinet.
At a glance[2]
- Capital
- Wellington
- Region
- Australia and New Zealand
- Area
- 270,467 km²
- Languages
- English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
- Currency
- New Zealand dollar ($)
- People
- New Zealander
- Borders
- None (no land borders)
- Calling code
- +64
- Internet domain
- .nz
Leadership
Who leads the state
Head of government
SourcedIn government: National, ACT and NZ First (coalition)
Executive
Sixth National Government
0 of 27 verified on official pages
Dates are the start of each minister’s current term in this government.
Digital government
Digital government, measured
UN E-Government Development Index[9]
2024
0.927rank 16 of 193
- Online services0.945
- Human capital0.962
- Telecom infrastructure0.873
Record of changes
Timeline
12 Aug 2026
Prime Minister Luxon strips Chris Penk of his portfolios after a failed leadership challenge; Paul Goldsmith takes Defence, Veterans, Space, GCSB and NZSIS, and Simon Watts takes Building and Construction.[5][8]
Sourced7 Apr 2026
Election-year reshuffle takes effect: Chris Penk and Penny Simmonds join Cabinet, Chris Bishop becomes Attorney-General, Louise Upston Leader of the House; Judith Collins and Shane Reti leave the ministry ahead of retiring.[5][7]
Sourced31 May 2025
David Seymour (ACT) succeeds Winston Peters (NZ First) as Deputy Prime Minister under the coalition agreement.[5]
Sourced
Evidence
Sources
- [1]List of countries by system of government
WikipediaReferenceChecked 12 Oct 2026
- [2]World countries in JSON (mledoze/countries)
Mohammed Le Doze and contributors (ODbL)ReferenceChecked 1 Nov 2026
- [3]List of current heads of state and government
WikipediaReferenceChecked 12 Oct 2026
- [4]Cindy Kiro
WikipediaReferenceChecked 13 Oct 2026
- [5]Sixth National Government of New Zealand
WikipediaReferenceChecked 13 Oct 2026
- [6]2026 New Zealand general election
WikipediaReferenceChecked 13 Oct 2026
- [7]Christopher Luxon reveals Cabinet shake-up
1NewsNewsChecked 13 Oct 2026
- [8]Luxon strips Chris Penk of ministerial portfolios, Penk announces election retirement
interest.co.nzNewsChecked 13 Oct 2026
- [9]UN E-Government Survey 2024: country data
United Nations DESADatasetChecked 12 Oct 2026