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Introduction, This Handbook provides a broad overview of the National Resilience System and contains the central government arrangements used to respond to strategic crises, replacing the 2016 National Security System Handbook. It is intended to clarify…

This guide contains information on how to use the Ministerial Policy Satisfaction Survey including how to: set an optional performance target conduct the survey with your minister develop a score based on the results use the results for improving…

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Cabinet Office circulars which have been superseded or cancelled over the last 20 years are listed here.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…

Accessible version, If you require an accessible version please contact [email protected] and cite "Proactive Release: Proposed Overseas Travel: Prime Minister, Hon Nicola Willis and Hon Todd McClay - May 2026 ( CAB-26-SUB-0143 )" as a reference.…

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…

When to use a policy sprint, In the Public Service, a policy sprint is a way of working that’s fast-paced, usually involving multiple government agencies, and designed to resolve a presenting problem within a short timeframe.  The decision to establish a…

Cyber security threats are constantly evolving and cyber threats to New Zealand are a significant national security challenge. Adopting a whole of society approach is how we will build a cyber secure and resilient New Zealand.  New Zealand’s Cyber…

New Zealand's Cyber Security Action Plan 2026 - 2027 supports the Cyber Security Strategy 2026 - 2030 by providing first steps to realise the strategy's objectives.

This discussion document supports consultation with industry on measures to enhance the cyber security of New Zealand’s critical infrastructure system. More information about this consultation is available on the Critical Infrastructure DPMC website page.

Chief Executive's statement of responsibility, In signing this information, I acknowledge that I am responsible for the information on strategic intentions for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. This information has been prepared in…

Accessible version If you require an accessible version please contact [email protected] and cite "Proactive Release: Power to Act for Group of Ministers over the Christmas/New Year Period 2025/2026 (CAB-25-MIN-0478)" as a reference. The following…

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,…

New Zealand Bravery Awards, The King has been pleased to approve the following New Zealand Bravery Awards:, The New Zealand Bravery Decoration, For an act of exceptional bravery in a situation of danger: Mr Junior (Losi) Faamalosi Isaako , of Hastings.…

Accessible version If you require an accessible version please contact [email protected] and cite "New Zealand's 2025 Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism Strategy and action plan" as a reference.

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…

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the Ministry for the Environment have developed a Long-term Insights Briefing on a nationally important topic: building New Zealand's long-term resilience to hazards, such as severe weather, pandemics…

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…

Chief Executive's foreword, Kupu whakataki a te Tumu Whakarae,   Kia ora koutou The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) occupies a unique space within the heart of government, supporting the Prime Minister, Cabinet, and the Governor-…

Organisation overview, context and commitment – Tā te whakahaere matawhānui, manawanui hoki, The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) advances an ambitious, resilient and well-governed New Zealand. To achieve this we require an influential…

About this guide, This guide contains advice on how to run a panel-based assessment of policy advice and other papers after their delivery using the Policy Quality Framework. It also explains how to score papers using the Framework’s electronically…

  “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…

Using this document, This document contains guidance on different types of communication with ministers and Cabinet. Whether you’re writing a Cabinet paper, a policy paper, an aide memoire or an A3, you’ll find high level descriptions of what’s involved,…

Guidance on how to get policy projects off to a great start This document outlines how to apply the Start Right approach to initiating a policy project, so it is set up for quality and success. Start Right is designed to be applied early in the life of…