This Country Profile provides a basic overview of the legal history and institutional structures of New Zealand, based on research produced by GlobaLex at NYU Law School and the Library of Congress. Under New Zealand's Constitution, Islamic law (sharīʿa or fiqh) has no legal status.
Country Background
New Zealand is a collection of islands located in Oceania. It is in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia. The capital of New Zealand is Wellington. The official languages are English and Maori. The country's population in 2017 was approximately 4.5 million. About 46% of the population is Christian, while 38% are non-religious.
The Cook Islands and Niue are recognized as self-governing, independent states in free association with New Zealand. As such, the framework of the government and the laws are essentially the same as New Zealand's.
Constitution & Legal Structure
New Zealand is referred to as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, in which sovereignty belongs to the people and the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. The current Constitution of New Zealand was adopted in 1852, and was amended most recently in 2014. The system of government is based on principles of separation and checks and balances and has three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The legal system of New Zealand is a common law system, based on the English model. Additionally, there is special legislation and land courts for the indigenous Maori.
Constitutional Status of Islamic Law
Islamic law has no constitutional status in New Zealand.
Jurisdiction(s) of Islamic Law
Islamic law has no official jurisdiction of operation in New Zealand.
Dominant School of Islamic Law
New Zealand has no official school of Islamic law.
Sources of Law for Legal Research
Official Publications
Unofficial Databases
References:
For an extended list of legal resources for this country, see the Library of Congress’s Research Guide, and for a narrative review, see the GlobaLex Foreign Law Research Guide (most updated version, where available). The Constitution is available in the LOC Guide in its original language and at Constitute in English. For full versions of past constitutions, amendments, and related legislation, see HeinOnline World Constitutions Illustrated or Oxford Constitutions of the World [subscription required for each].