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Key points, 1 This circular sets out the requirements for central government agencies to estimate and disclose the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission implications and/or impacts on emissions budgets or actions in a current emissions reduction plan, for policy…

Agencies that prepare Cabinet papers are responsible for ensuring that appropriate consultation is undertaken on draft Cabinet papers and other material that is intended for consideration by Cabinet, that other agencies are given reasonable time to…

Once the policy content of a bill has been agreed, and the bill has been drafted, approval must be sought through LEG and Cabinet for the introduction of the bill to the House of Representatives. LEG will examine the bill to ensure that its policy content…

Papers that are submitted to Cabinet or committee seeking authorisation for the submission of secondary legislation to the Executive Council must follow the format set out below. Each heading must appear in the paper (write "not applicable" if the heading…

Impact analysis, within the context of preparing Cabinet material, is a process of defining the policy or operational problem that needs to be addressed, identifying policy objectives, and the full range of feasible options for addressing that problem.…

Introduction, 1 This circular sets out the Government’s expectations for good law-making to ensure responsible regulation. 2 Responsible regulation can help governments to achieve their desired economic, environmental and social outcomes, support the…

Cabinet Office circulars which have been superseded or cancelled over the last 20 years are listed here. They are available from the Cabinet Office on request - please quote the reference number and title. Older circulars are also available from the…

The New Zealand Order of Merit, The King has been pleased, on the occasion of the celebration of His Majesty’s Birthday, to make the following appointments to The New Zealand Order of Merit:, DNZM, To be Dames Companion of the said Order: Mrs Susan Jean…

Proactive release of information about management of ministerial conflicts of interest, 1 July to 31 December 2025,   1 The table below is a summary of certain actions taken by Ministers to manage actual and potential conflicts of interest during the…

Introduction, 1 As announced by the Prime Minister on 21 January 2026, the 2026 general election is to be held on, 7 November 2026, . The "pre-election period" is generally regarded as being the three months before a general election. The pre-election…

The New Zealand Order of Merit, The King has been pleased, on the celebration of the New Year, to make the following appointments to The New Zealand Order of Merit:, DNZM, To be Dames Companion of the said Order: Professor Helen Victoria Danesh-Meyer,…

Government bills are managed through the Legislation Programme. Towards the end of each year, Ministers are invited, through a Cabinet Office circular, to put in proposals (bids) to include bills in the Legislation Programme for the upcoming year. The…

Introduction, 1 This circular sets out the requirements for bids for bills seeking placement on the 2026 Legislation Programme. 2 When submitting bids, Ministers and agencies are asked to consider core legislative priorities to be delivered before the…

  “Advice given to Ministers must be free and frank. It should be based on officials' professional opinions and best judgement. Free and frank advice is honest and fearless but should also be responsive to the priorities determined by the government of…

Proactive release of information about management of ministerial conflicts of interest, 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2025,   1 The table below is a summary of certain actions taken by Ministers to manage actual or potential conflicts of interest during the…

This section outlines the need for a range of consultation on Cabinet and Cabinet committee papers and the process for consultation, including: the process for agency consultation , which includes consultation with the Department of the Prime Minister and…

Cabinet Fees Framework for members appointed to bodies in which the Crown has an interest, 1 Cabinet has agreed to a revised Fees Framework for determining or reassessing the fees paid to members of statutory and other bodies in which the Crown has an…

Introduction, 1 In November 2024, Cabinet Circular CO (24) 6 asked Ministers and agencies to submit bids for bills seeking places on the 2025 Legislation Programme. At that time, it was noted that the Leader of the House, in consultation with the Prime…

The New Zealand Order of Merit, The King has been pleased, on the occasion of the celebration of His Majesty’s Birthday, to make the following appointments to The New Zealand Order of Merit:, DNZM, To be Dames Companion of the said Order: Ms Ranjna Patel…

Proactive release of information about management of ministerial conflicts of interest, 1 May 2024 – 31 December 2024,     1 The table below is a summary of certain actions taken by Ministers to manage actual or potential conflicts of interest during the…

The items considered by Cabinet and Cabinet committees are most often Cabinet papers. Sometimes oral items may also be considered (refer to the further guidance on oral items for information about when an oral item may be appropriate).  There are a number…

The need for Executive Council (EC) action on a particular matter will be indicated in the relevant statutory provision by the words “in Council” (i.e. “the Governor-General in Council” or “by Order in Council”). Matters that require action by EC are as…

Papers seeking approval for treaty actions generally follow the format of standard Cabinet papers. Below is an annotated example of an international treaty action paper.   [ Security classification – minimum of In Confidence required]   Office of the…

Below is a template advice sheet that can be downloaded and edited for items submitted to the Executive Council (including for Orders in Council/secondary legislation). The advice sheet must: be addressed to the Governor-General (unless the Governor-…

As noted in the Cabinet Manual, proposals that affect the government's financial position, or important financial commitments, including proposals seeking additional financial resources, must be submitted to Cabinet [ paragraph 5.12, Cabinet Manual ]. The…

Cabinet paper attachments are usually one of the following: appointments information ( Organisation form  and  Candidate CV form , which should be combined into one document when uploaded into CabNet) additional supporting information that is presented…

Purpose, 1 This circular sets out Government expectations for how the targeting, commissioning, and design of public services should be based on the needs of all New Zealanders. 2 This circular gives effect to the commitment in the coalition agreements…

Introduction, 1 This circular sets out the requirements for developing and maintaining Performance Plans. 2 Achieving a sustainable fiscal outlook while delivering efficient, effective, and responsive public services requires planning and oversight of…

Cabinet appointment papers advise Cabinet of a Minister's intention to appoint a candidate to a statutory or other government agency, board, organisation, or body. They are considered by the Cabinet Appointments and Honours Committee (APH). See the APH…

Proactive release of information about management of ministerial conflicts of interest, 27 November 2023 – 30 April 2024,   Explanatory note 1 The table below is a summary of certain actions taken by Ministers to manage actual or potential conflicts of…

The New Zealand Order of Merit, The King has been pleased, on the occasion of the celebration of His Majesty’s Birthday, to make the following appointments to The New Zealand Order of Merit:, DNZM, To be Dames Companion of the said Order: Ms Theresa…

Introduction, 1 This circular provides guidance for Ministers [1] and agencies on the consultation and operating arrangements agreed to by the Coalition Government, comprising the National Party, the ACT Party, and the New Zealand First Party. 2 Ministers…