Story: Parliament

Opening Parliament

Queen Elizabeth II opened Parliament in 1954, during her first visit to New Zealand. Here, she reads the speech from the throne. The sovereign is the source of all legal executive authority, but she or her representative, the governor-general, act on the advice of the government.

Using this item

Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: Pictorial Parade 19. National Film Unit, 1954

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How to cite this page:

John E. Martin, 'Parliament - Parliament overview', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/33671/opening-parliament (accessed 23 April 2024)

Story by John E. Martin, published 20 Jun 2012, updated 1 Feb 2015