New Cabinet Manual released today
Prime Minister Helen Clark today announced that a new edition of the Cabinet Manual is being issued today.
Helen Clark said that the Cabinet Manual is updated periodically to reflect established changes in Cabinet procedures
and constitutional developments.
“The new edition reflects the continued development of the conventions flowing from the establishment of the MMP
electoral system, and changes in the relationships within the state sector introduced by the Crown Entities Act 2004.
“The Cabinet Manual is a vital record of many of New Zealand’s constitutional conventions and the principles of Cabinet
government. It is both enduring, but also evolving, to record the changes which occur from time to time in our
administrative and constitutional arrangements.
“This edition is a thorough update, resulting from careful review and consultation with many agencies. The end result
provides a solid up-to-date basis for the operation of executive government.
“The first edition of the Cabinet Manual was issued in 1979. Since then, it has been amended from time to time, most
recently in 2001,” Helen Clark said.
A summary of the key changes to the Cabinet Manual is attached.
The 2008 edition of the Manual is available from this afternoon at www.cabinetmanual.cabinetoffice.govt.nz
The book version of the Manual will be available for retail sale from 9am on Wednesday 16 April 2008.
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