Democracy In Aotearoa New Zealand: A Survival Guide

Local Description

This important and accessible book outlines the principles and mechanisms of our democracy and its institutions, and shows how it can be made to function optimally through the participation of ordinary people. How can democracy address the problems of the future, such as climate change, decolonisation, diversity, and misinformation? Much of it written as a series of exchanges between Geoffrey Palmer (a former Prime Minister, Minister of Justice, Attorney-General, and an expert on constitutional law), and his granddaughter Gwen Palmer Steeds (a student of political communication and political science and a youth political activist), the book is both urgent and engaging. Read it — and use it — to ensure democracy's survival. 

>>The authors, 2009 and 2022. 
>>Democracy on the defensive. 
>>A fragile form of government.
>>The case for a constitution. 
>>Not enough reform. 
>>What can we do about future injustices?
>>Towards Democratic Renewal. 

Description

A survival guide to democracy in Aotearoa New Zealand, this book aims to unravel the mysteries of our political system and show how ordinary people can navigate the political world and influence decisions made by our government. Its 40 chapters include a succinct history of government in Aotearoa New Zealand; introductions to our principal institutions; interviews with the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Governor-General, Speaker and Chief Justice; advice on how to campaign, complain and obtain information; and consideration of future challenges of climate change, decolonisation, and engaging rangatahi in the political process.

Awards

Longlisted for the 2023 Ockham NZ Book Awards - General Non-Fiction Award

Author description

Sir Geoffrey Palmer QC is a Distinguished Fellow at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, Faculty of Law, and a Global affiliated professor at the University of Iowa, College of Law. He is a former Prime Minister, Minister of Justice and Attorney-General. Gwen Palmer Steeds is a student of political communication and political science at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, and is a youth political activist.