129-566: Karamea is a town on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is the northernmost settlement of any real size on the West Coast, and is located 96 kilometres (60 mi) northeast by road from Westport . Apart from a narrow coastal strip, the town of Karamea and its local area are completely surrounded to the south, east and north by Kahurangi National Park . The town is located on
258-534: A Dominion , and even earlier as "Members of the General Assembly" (MGAs). All MPs are democratically elected, and usually enter the House following a general election . Once sworn in , MPs normally continue to serve until the next dissolution of parliament and subsequent general election, which must take place at least every three years. Early general elections (sometimes termed " snap elections ") are possible at
387-407: A coalition government , while others may stay outside the government but agree to support it on confidence votes . The prime minister (leader of the government) is answerable to, and must maintain the support of, the House of Representatives; thus, whenever the office of prime minister falls vacant, the governor-general appoints the person who is most likely to command the support of the House. If
516-460: A list member 's seat becomes vacant then the next available person on their party's list is appointed to the position . List MPs are free to stand in electorate by-elections and in the case of successful contest their own seat will be filled 'in turn'. To be an MP a person must be a New Zealand citizen (by birth or naturalisation) at the time of the election and not be disqualified from enrolling to vote; unlike certain other countries, bankruptcy
645-427: A mixed-member proportional representation system, which combines first-past-the-post elected seats with closed party lists . 72 MPs are elected directly in single-member electoral districts and further seats are filled by list MPs based on each party 's share of the party vote. A government may be formed from the single party or coalition of parties that has the support of a majority of MPs. If no majority
774-524: A bill changes during this process varies. If the select committee that considered the bill did not have a government majority and made significant alterations, the Government may make significant "corrective" amendments. There is some criticism that bills may be amended to incorporate significant policy changes without the benefit of select committee scrutiny or public submissions, or even that such major changes can be made with little or no notice. However, under
903-827: A block of land of 4,000 acres (1,600 ha) had been reserved on the south side of the Karamea River , and in April 1875 a further 1,667 acres (675 ha) was reserved on the north side of the Karamea River . The planning of the settlement was placed under the control of Eugene O'Conor , Provincial Secretary, and member of the New Zealand House of Representatives . The settlers at Karamea were mostly immigrants from four ships that arrived at Nelson between August 1874 and February 1875. The first settlers to arrive in Karamea were landed from
1032-513: A breach channel to allow the next major flood to cut a new direct route to the sea, and mitigate the flood risk. Breach channels were constructed at the north end of the spit and a direct path was opened to the sea in 2017. The Regional Council cautioned that further interventions could be required in future to keep the outlet in a northern location. In July 2020, the West Coast Regional council secured funding to support Clean Streams Karamea,
1161-511: A general store, supermarket, petrol pumps, information centre, cafe, hotel, camping ground, motels, backpackers, art & craft shop, and a community library. The Karamea War Memorial Library was opened in 1954 and for decades shared its building with the Plunket rooms. It expanded to occupy the whole building in the mid 1990s, and now operates as an entirely volunteer-run library with approximately 50 subscriptions. The Karamea Centennial Museum
1290-420: A locally based not-for-profit environmental group. The funding will enable the raising and planting of 315,000 trees along 80 kilometres (50 mi) of riparian margins of waterways through farms. The project is expected to take 3–5 years. Karamea town covers 66.08 km (25.51 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 430 as of June 2024, with a population density of 6.5 people per km. The town had
1419-425: A man, or 'Madam Speaker', if a woman. Only the speaker may be directly addressed in debate; other members must be referred to in the third person, either by full name or office. The speaker can " name " a member believed to have broken the rules of conduct of the House; following a vote this will usually result in the expulsion of said member from the chamber. During debates, members may only speak if called upon by
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#17328549373501548-409: A matter of law. The title is changed from a bill to an act, and it becomes law. In addition to the work of the main chamber, the House of Representatives also has a large number of committees, established in order to deal with particular areas or issues. There are 12 subject select committees, which scrutinise and amend bills. They can call for submissions from the public, thereby meaning that there
1677-441: A period of time is set aside for questions to be asked of ministers and select committee chairs. Questions to a minister must related to their official ministerial activities, not about activities as a party leader. There are 12 questions, which are distributed proportionately among the parties. In addition to questions asked orally during question time, members may also make inquiries in writing. Written questions are submitted to
1806-530: A permanent option over the colder part of the year. Mountain biking the Heaphy Track is now allowed each year from 1 May to 30 November for groups not exceeding six riders. Karamea is 96 kilometres (60 mi) north of Westport on State Highway 67 . There is no other connecting road to the town – the road north ends at the Kohaihai River some 20 kilometres (12 mi) from Karamea, at the southwestern end of
1935-761: A population density of 0.29 people per km. The statistical area had a population of 714 at the 2018 New Zealand census , a decrease of 54 people (−7.0%) since the 2013 census , and a decrease of 84 people (−10.5%) since the 2006 census . There were 381 households, comprising 393 males and 324 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.21 males per female. The median age was 53.3 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 99 people (13.9%) aged under 15 years, 60 (8.4%) aged 15 to 29, 378 (52.9%) aged 30 to 64, and 177 (24.8%) aged 65 or older. Ethnicities were 92.0% European/ Pākehā , 10.5% Māori , 2.9% Pasifika , 0.8% Asian , and 3.4% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity. The percentage of people born overseas
2064-621: A population of 354 at the 2018 New Zealand census , a decrease of 21 people (−5.6%) since the 2013 census , and a decrease of 69 people (−16.3%) since the 2006 census . There were 204 households, comprising 195 males and 159 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.23 males per female, with 51 people (14.4%) aged under 15 years, 18 (5.1%) aged 15 to 29, 195 (55.1%) aged 30 to 64, and 99 (28.0%) aged 65 or older. Ethnicities were 93.2% European/ Pākehā , 6.8% Māori , 3.4% Pasifika , 2.5% Asian , and 3.4% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity. Although some people chose not to answer
2193-457: A select committee, which consists only of a few members). When the House is "in committee", it is able to operate in a slightly less formal way than usual. During a committee of the whole House, a bill is debated in detail, usually "part by part" (a "part" is a grouping of clauses). MPs may make five-minute speeches on a particular part or provision of the bill and may propose further amendments, but theoretically should not make general speeches on
2322-409: A significant increase in the local population, with increasing demand for housing, and an increase in the roll at Karamea Area School. Tourists visit Karamea all year round to enjoy the many scenic attractions in the region, including Kahurangi National Park. Tourism is a fast-growing segment of the local economy, and the region has been said to be "New Zealand's best-kept secret". The southern end of
2451-413: Is a degree of public consultation before a parliamentary bill proceeds into law. The strengthening of the committee system was in response to concerns that legislation was being forced through, without receiving due examination and revision. Each committee has between six and twelve members—including a chairperson and deputy chairperson —with parties broadly represented in proportion to party membership in
2580-467: Is a small dairy farming village located 17 kilometres (11 mi) south of Karamea. It has a surfing beach and a river popular for whitebaiting and fishing. There is a large estuary known as Ōtūmahana, at the mouth of the Karamea River. This estuary is also the mouth of Baker Creek and Granite Creek. The combined river mouths have formed a shallow mudflat and salt marsh estuary with an area of approximately 400 hectares (990 acres). This type of environment
2709-448: Is a small museum opened in 1974. The museum collections include photographs and exhibits on the local industries of sawmilling, dairying, gold mining, flax milling and shipping. West Coast, New Zealand The West Coast ( Māori : Te Tai Poutini , lit. 'The Coast of Poutini, the Taniwha ') is a region of New Zealand on the west coast of the South Island . It
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#17328549373502838-475: Is administered by the West Coast Regional Council , and is known co-officially as Te Tai Poutini . It comprises the territorial authorities of Buller District , Grey District and Westland District . The principal towns are Westport , Greymouth and Hokitika . The region, one of the more remote areas of the country, is also the most sparsely populated. With a population of just 32,900 people,
2967-506: Is at Shantytown . Other towns and settlements include: The West Coast region is governed by the West Coast Regional Council. Currently, it is chaired by Peter Haddock. The subnational gross domestic product (GDP) of the West Coast was estimated at NZ$ 2,373 million in the year to March 2022, 0.7% of New Zealand's national GDP. The regional GDP per capita was estimated at $ 72,127 in the same period. The region had one of
3096-401: Is conducted by drawing numbered counters out of a biscuit tin , giving the whole member's bill process the nickname "democracy by biscuit tin". Local government and private individuals may also propose legislation to be introduced by an MP. Proxy voting is allowed, in which members may designate a party or another member to vote on their behalf. An excuse is required. The first stage of
3225-497: Is evidence it was one of the few sites in the northwest South Island occupied by people for extended periods of time. There is significant evidence of stoneworking, including local pounamu as well as argillite , obsidian , and chert imported from elsewhere in Aotearoa. The significance of the site to Ngāi Tahu led to it being excluded from Kahurangi National Park . The first Europeans and Chinese would have been early gold-miners in
3354-874: Is in Greymouth. The region has been included in the "Top 10 Coastal Drives of the World" by Lonely Planet . The region has the only New Zealand nesting place of the kōtuku (white heron) , at the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve , visited by tours from the small farming township of Whataroa . This rare bird appears on the $ 2 coin. Over 80% of West Coast land is administered by the Department of Conservation, much of this being in National Parks. These include from north to south, parts of Kahurangi NP, Paparoa NP, parts of Arthurs Pass NP, Westland NP, parts of Aspiring NP plus
3483-426: Is not grounds for disqualification from office. Party list candidates are always nominated by political parties. The annual salary of each MP, since July 2021, is $ 163,961; members may receive additional salaries in right of other offices they hold (for instance, the speaker, whips, and chairpersons of select committees) as recognised by Remuneration Authority determinations. The 54th New Zealand Parliament
3612-531: Is possible, a minority government can be formed with a confidence and supply arrangement. If a government is unable to maintain the confidence of the House then an early general election can be called. The House of Representatives was created by the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852 (effective 1853), an act of the British Parliament , which established a bicameral legislature; however
3741-402: Is the current sitting of the House. The most recent general election was held on 14 October 2023 , and the 54th Parliament first sat on 5 December. It consists of 123 members, representing six parliamentary parties. Of these current MPs, 54 ( 43.9%) are women—the second-highest number since women were first allowed to stand for Parliament in 1919 , after the high of 61 ( 50.8%) achieved during
3870-538: Is the least populous of New Zealand's sixteen regions. The West Coast is also the most sparsely populated region, with just 1.50 people per square kilometre (3.88 per square mile). West Coast Region had a population of 33,390 in the 2023 New Zealand census , an increase of 1,815 people (5.7%) since the 2018 census , and an increase of 1,242 people (3.9%) since the 2013 census . There were 17,031 males, 16,245 females and 117 people of other genders in 14,793 dwellings. 2.7% of people identified as LGBTIQ+ . The median age
3999-546: Is the only region of New Zealand where coal mining is still widely practiced. The name Westland is used by some New Zealanders to refer to the whole of the West Coast, including Grey District , Buller District and Fiordland , and can also refer to the short-lived Westland Province of 1873–76. Fiordland is on the west coast, but is in the Southland Region rather than the West Coast Region. Inhabitants of
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4128-532: Is used for the township and also for the surrounding area. Large shell middens have been found in the area. Radiocarbon dating indicates that these middens are associated with occupation in the period AD 1400 to AD 1600. The evidence suggests that the site was used by Māori as a temporary stopping place on the route down the coast to collect pounamu . The mouth of the Heaphy River is the site of an early Māori encampment dating back to perhaps 1380 AD, and there
4257-423: Is vulnerable and is nationally uncommon. The estuary is an important feeding and breeding area for birds and fish. The estuary is the third largest tidal estuary on the West Coast, after Ōkārito Lagoon and Saltwater Lagoon . It has been classified as a Significant Wetland by the West Coast Regional Council in its Regional Land and Water Plan. A small specially protected area of wetland known as Ōtūmahana Reserve
4386-625: The AM Network . The New Zealand House of Representatives takes the British House of Commons as its model. The New Zealand Parliament is based, in practice, on the Westminster system (that is, the procedures of the British Parliament). As a democratic institution, the primary role of the House of Representatives is to provide representation for the people and to pass legislation on behalf of
4515-534: The Big Rimu Walk . Karamea provides a base for transport and accommodation for visitors coming to the area for mountain biking . Prior to the establishment of Kahurangi National Park in 1996, mountain biking was a popular activity on the Heaphy Track. In the final 12 months before the North West Nelson Forest Park became a National Park, around 2,000 mountain bikers completed the route. At the time,
4644-457: The Cabinet , and supervises the work of government. It is also responsible for adopting the state's budgets and approving the state's accounts. The House of Representatives is a democratic body consisting of representatives known as members of parliament (MPs). There are normally 120 MPs, though there are currently 123 due to an overhang . Elections take place usually every three years using
4773-729: The Canterbury Plains and in the Firth of Thames , they have been almost completely destroyed for settlement and agriculture. Scenic areas include the Haast Pass , Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers , Hokitika Gorge , Lake Brunner , the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki , the Oparara Arches and the Heaphy Track . The region has very high rainfall due to the prevailing northwesterly wind pattern and
4902-418: The Heaphy River . Apart from a narrow coastal strip, the town of Karamea and its local area are completely surrounded to the south, east and north by Kahurangi National Park . There are two main areas of residential accommodation and businesses on the north side of the Karamea River. These are Market Cross and the settlement of Karamea itself. These two locations are around 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) apart. On
5031-519: The Heaphy Track , one of New Zealand's nine "Great Walks", is at the Kohaihai River , about 20 kilometres (12 mi) north of Karamea. The western end of the Wangapeka Track is near Little Wanganui, around 18 kilometres (11 mi) south of Karamea. Popular attractions in the area include the Ōpārara Basin , (including the Ōpārara Basin Arches ), Honeycomb Hill Cave , Fenian Track and caves, and
5160-500: The Heaphy Track , or see popular local attractions such as the Ōpārara Basin , Ōpārara Arches , the Fenian Track and caves, the Big Rimu Walk and the coastal scenery north of Kōhaihai on the Heaphy Track. The name Karamea is Māori – despite local jokes suggesting it was named by an Italian for his love – and is thought to either mean "red ochre" or be a corruption of Kakara taramea , "the smell of speargrass leaves." The name
5289-438: The Heaphy Track . As at 2018, the road to Karamea was funded by Waka Kotahi via a special purpose road funding category, but the agency signalled that this funding category could end by 2024. Air transport is available from Karamea Aerodrome . Golden Bay Air flies from Karamea to from Wellington, Takaka and Nelson. There is also a helicopter charter service at the aerodrome. Karamea township offers local services including
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5418-468: The National Parks Act 1980 did not permit mountain biking in National Parks, other than on formed roads. Lobbying activities to allow the return of mountain biking on the Heaphy Track continued through until 2011, when a three-year trial began. The trial permitted mountain biking during the winter season from 1 May to 30 September. The mountain bike trial period ended in 2016 and mountain biking became
5547-478: The Westland Province , until the abolition of the provincial system in 1876. The West Coast gold rush between 1864 and 1867 created numerous gold rush towns such as Ōkārito, which at one time was the largest town on the West Coast but quickly almost vanished as miners moved on. After that time, the population dwindled, but the main towns that still exist had become established. Following greenstone and gold,
5676-520: The first-past-the-post voting system, with the exception of the 1908 and 1911 elections, which used a two-round system . Since 1996 , a form of proportional representation called mixed-member proportional (MMP) has been used. Under the MMP system each person has two votes; one is for electorate seats (including some reserved for Māori ), and the other is for a party. Currently there are 72 electorate seats (which includes seven Māori electorates), and
5805-486: The governor-general . The majority of bills are proposed by the government of the day (that is, the party or coalition parties that command a majority in the House) to implement its policies. These policies may relate to the raising of revenue through taxation bills or the expenditure of money through appropriation bills (including those bills giving effect to the budget ). It is rare for government bills to be defeated—indeed
5934-403: The minister of finance ) has the power (given by the House's Standing Orders) to veto any proposed legislation that would have a major impact on the Government's budget and expenditure plans. This veto can be invoked at any stage of the process, but if applied to a bill as a whole will most likely be employed at the second-reading stage. Since the financial veto certificate was introduced in 1996,
6063-671: The 1860s. In the early 1870s, the Nelson Provincial Government investigated the use of Special Settlement Areas as a way of developing remote parts of the province, and attracting immigrants. The conditions to be offered to immigrants included the offer of land on deferred payment terms, and the opportunity of partial employment by the Provincial Government for the first year after the immigrants arrived. The allotments of land would be between forty and two hundred acres to each head of family, and be open to those already in
6192-399: The 2019–2020 season, there were 150,000 milking cows on the West Coast, 3.0% of the country's total herd. The cows produced 50,700 tonnes of milk solids, worth $ 365 million at the national average farmgate price ($ 7.20 per kg). Other industries are the manufacturing and sales of greenstone jewellery, sphagnum moss gathering and stone-collection for garden landscaping. Monteith's brewery
6321-768: The Colony, as well as new immigrants. The Nelson Special Settlements Act was passed on 25 October 1872, to allow the scheme to proceed, but there were disputes with central government about allowing the scheme to extend to those already resident. Prior to 1874, the Nelson Province had not been significantly involved in the immigration schemes organised by the Colonial Government , but in October of that year, around 250 adults arrived in Nelson seeking work, and another shipload of immigrants
6450-684: The Electoral Amendment Act 1975: (PM/(PS/25))+(PN/(PS/25)) where: PM = Māori population; PN = European population of the North Island; PS = European population of the South Island. Voting is not compulsory , but voter turnout is high compared to other democratic countries. Universal suffrage exists for those 18 or older; New Zealand citizens and others who are permanently residing in New Zealand are usually eligible to vote. New Zealand
6579-449: The Government has exercised it only once in respect of an entire bill, in 2016, although many amendments have been vetoed at the committee of the whole House stage. If a bill receives its second reading, it goes on to be considered by a committee of the whole House . When a bill reaches the committee of the whole House stage, the House resolves itself "into committee", that is, it forms a committee consisting of all MPs (as distinct from
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#17328549373506708-563: The House of Representatives loses confidence in the Cabinet, and therefore in the government, then it can dissolve the government if a vote of no-confidence is passed. The House of Representatives normally consists of 120 members, who bear the title " Member of Parliament " (MP). They were previously known as "Members of the House of Representatives" (MHRs) until the passing of the Parliamentary and Executive Titles Act 1907 when New Zealand became
6837-451: The House since 1993 . The House started with 37 members in 1854, with numbers progressively increasing to 95 by 1882, before being reduced to 74 in 1891. Numbers slowly increased again to 99 by 1993. In 1996 numbers increased to at least 120 with the introduction of MMP elections (i.e. 120 plus any overhang seats ; there has been at least one overhang seat in five of the 10 MMP elections held since 1996). The year in which each change in
6966-512: The House sits in a raised chair at the open end of the horseshoe, giving him a clear view of proceedings. In front of the chair is a table, on which rests a mace . MPs cannot lawfully meet without the mace, a formal symbol of the authority of the House, being present in the chamber. (The current mace has been used since 7 October 1909, and is a replica of the one in the British House of Commons. ) Various officers—clerks and other officials—sit at
7095-530: The House. MPs may be members of more than one committee. Membership of committees is determined by the Business Specialist Committee, which is chaired by the speaker. Occasionally a special committee will be created on a temporary basis; an example was the Select Committee established to study the foreshore and seabed bill . Once in every term of Parliament a New Zealand Youth Parliament
7224-434: The House. When presiding, the speaker is obliged to remain impartial. Additionally, since 1992, the House elects a deputy speaker from amongst its members; the deputy may preside when the speaker is absent. Up to two assistants are also appointed from amongst the members of the House. Several political party -based roles are filled by elected MPs. The prime minister is the leader of the largest government party and leads
7353-480: The House. The whips make sure that members of their caucus are in the House during crucial votes. Officers of the House who are not MPs include the clerk of the House , the deputy clerk, the chief parliamentary counsel (a lawyer who helps to draft bills), and several other junior clerks. These are non-partisan roles. The most senior of these officers is the clerk of the House, who is responsible for several key administrative tasks, such as "advising members on
7482-425: The Karamea area, with all roads in the district closed and nearly all bridges damaged. Houses were badly damaged, with no chimneys left standing, and some houses burnt down. The wharf and wharf sheds were also badly damaged. The road from Westport to Karamea was severely damaged by large landslides, and telephone lines were broken completely isolating the town. A party travelled on foot from Karamea to Westport to report
7611-489: The Karamea harbour while the road was rebuilt. Dairy farming in the area began with the opening of the first Karamea Co-operative Dairy Company in 1893. This company struggled with payouts to farmers less than expectations and the venture was wound up in March 1897. There was no further progress until 1906, when J Curtin & Co opened a butter factory near the site of the 1893 plant. A newly formed Karamea Co-operative Dairy Company
7740-613: The Karamea township. In August 1931, the settlers were given access to relief funding from the West Coast Earthquake Relief Fund for the damage caused by these floods. Over the next few years, stop banks and training walls were constructed on the north side of the river to help mitigate the flood risk to the town. In May 1936 the Karamea School Committee notified the Education Board of their concerns about
7869-583: The Labour Party to win 65 of the 120 seats. The House of Representatives elects one of its members as a presiding officer, known as the speaker of the House , at the beginning of each new parliamentary term, and also whenever a vacancy arises. It is the speaker's role to apply the rules of the House (called the Standing Orders ), and oversee procedures and the day-to-day operation of the chamber. The speaker responds to points of order from other members of
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#17328549373507998-414: The MMP system when the Government is less likely to have an absolute majority, any amendments will usually need to be negotiated with other parties to obtain majority support. The Opposition may also put forward wrecking amendments . These amendments are often just symbolic of their contrasting policy position, or simply intended to delay the passage of the bill through the sheer quantity of amendments for
8127-623: The South Westland World Heritage Area. Each of these parks have flora and fauna common to all areas, as well as species, like kiwi, particular to those areas. Four roads run into the West Coast Region. The main road running the length of the region is State Highway 6 . It connects to the Tasman District in the north through the Buller Gorge , and to Otago in the south via Haast Pass . Two roads connect to Canterbury to
8256-569: The Taramakau River in 1864 by two Māori, Ihaia Tainui and Haimona Taukau. By the end of the year there were an estimated 1800 prospectors, many of them around the Hokitika area, which in 1866 was briefly the most populous settlement in New Zealand. The region was divided between Nelson Province and Canterbury Province from 1853: in 1873 the Canterbury portion of the region formed its own province,
8385-588: The West Coast are colloquially known as "Coasters". The region reaches from Kahurangi Point in the north to Awarua Point in the south, a distance of 600 km. It has an area of 23,246 km . To the west is the Tasman Sea (which like the Southern Ocean can be very rough, with four-metre swells common), and to the east are the Southern Alps . Much of the land is rugged, with a coastal plain where much of
8514-460: The West Coast is the least populous region in New Zealand. The population in the region grew by 0.4% over the year to July 2023. The region has a rich and important history. The land itself is ancient, stretching back to the Carboniferous period ; this is evident by the amount of carboniferous materials naturally found there, especially coal . First settled by Kāi Tahu in approximately 1200 AD,
8643-415: The area was famous across New Zealand for its richness in pounamu greenstone. Kāi Tahu traded millions of modern New Zealand dollars ' worth of the stone across New Zealand , making Te Tai Poutini one of the wealthiest regions in the country. After the arrival of Europeans, the region became famed for its vast and mostly untapped gold reserves, which historically had not been highly valued. The region
8772-405: The attorney-general will present a report to the House, known as a Section 7 report, highlighting the inconsistencies. The select committee will scrutinise the bill, going over it in more detail than can be achieved by the whole membership of the House. The public can also make submissions to select committees, offering support, criticism, or merely comments. Written submissions from the public to
8901-412: The bill will generally make a recommendation that the bill be considered by an appropriate select committee ( see § Committees ). Sometimes, it will be recommended that a special committee be formed, usually when the bill is particularly important or controversial. The House then votes as to whether the bill should be sent to the committee for deliberation. It is not uncommon for a bill to be voted to
9030-546: The bill's overall goals or principles (that should have occurred at the second reading). Sometimes a member may advertise the proposed amendments beforehand by having them printed on an Amendment Paper (known as Supplementary Order Papers prior to the 54th Parliament); this is common for amendments proposed by government ministers. Some Amendment Papers are very extensive, and, if agreed to, can result in major amendments to bills. On rare occasions, Amendment Papers are referred to select committees for comment. The extent to which
9159-420: The census question. Of those at least 15 years old, 2,658 (9.5%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 15,825 (56.6%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 8,490 (30.4%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $ 32,700, compared with $ 41,500 nationally. 1,956 people (7.0%) earned over $ 100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15
9288-624: The census's question about religious affiliation, 61.9% had no religion, 24.6% were Christian and 2.5% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 30 (9.9%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 78 (25.7%) people had no formal qualifications. 27 people (8.9%) earned over $ 70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 114 (37.6%) people were employed full-time, 63 (20.8%) were part-time, and 12 (4.0%) were unemployed. Karamea statistical area covers 3,129.18 km (1,208.18 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 900 as of June 2024, with
9417-410: The chamber of the House at the beginning and end of each sitting day. The House of Representatives usually sits Tuesday to Thursday when in session. The House meets in the debating chamber located inside Parliament House, Wellington . The layout is similar to the design of the chamber of the British House of Commons . The seats and desks are arranged in rows in a horseshoe pattern. The speaker of
9546-521: The clerk, either on paper or electronically, and answers are recorded in Parliamentary Debates (Hansard) . Most parliamentary business is about making new laws and amending old laws. The House examines and amends bills —the title given to a proposed piece of legislation while under consideration by the House—in several formal stages. The term for these stages is " reading ", which originates from
9675-498: The coastal plain adjacent to the Karamea River and the Ōtūmahana Estuary . The town consists of two small settlements, Market Cross and Karamea proper, located about 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) apart. Up the Karamea River are the farming areas of Arapito (on the south bank) and Umere (on the north bank). Karamea is a gateway to the Kahurangi National Park, and provides a base for visitors coming to walk or mountain bike
9804-473: The committee are normally due two months after the bill's first reading. Submitters can opt to also give an oral submission, which are heard by the committee in Wellington, and numbers permitting, Auckland and Christchurch. The select committee stage is seen as increasingly important today—in the past, the governing party generally dominated select committees, making the process something of a rubber stamp , but in
9933-462: The committee of the whole House to vote on. The final reading takes the same format as the first and second readings—a two-hour debate with MPs making ten-minute speeches. The speeches once again refer to the bill in general terms, and represent the final chance for debate. A final vote is taken. If a bill passes its third reading, it is passed on to the governor-general, who will (assuming constitutional conventions are followed) give it Royal Assent as
10062-492: The consideration and recommendations of the select committee and issues raised in public submissions. Parties will usually have made their final decision on a bill after the select committee stage, and will make their views clear during the second reading debates. At the conclusion of debate, the House votes on whether to accept any amendments recommended by the select committee by majority (unanimous amendments are not subjected to this extra hurdle). The Government (usually through
10191-528: The damage caused by repeated flooding of the school. Relocation to a new site was proposed. In October 1936 there was a further major flood that entered 40 houses in Karamea and Market Cross. In September 1937, a large flood led to the river breaking through to the sea at the location of the old river mouth, cutting a new channel that greatly reduced the flood risk to the town and enabled the entry of vessels at high tide. Further river protection works were installed between 1938 and 1940, and these successfully defended
10320-508: The damage. The earthquake disrupted efforts underway at the time to control an outbreak of diphtheria in the settlement, and it was necessary for serum to be delivered by air. The earthquake caused the silting up of the harbour and cut the community's road link for about two years. The reconstruction of the road over the hilly section between Mokihinui and Little Wanganui required a workforce up to 400 men at times. Small coastal vessels were used to transport people and supplies between Westport and
10449-460: The discretion of the prime minister, especially if a minority government is unable to retain the confidence of the House. Members who change their party allegiance during a term—known as " waka-jumping "—may be expelled from the House. Members may also be expelled in cases of criminal activity or other serious misconduct. Some expulsions have been challenged through the courts. Casual vacancies in electorates are filled through by-elections ; if
10578-424: The east, State Highway 7 through Lewis Pass to North Canterbury and State Highway 73 via Arthur's Pass to Christchurch . The Midland railway line is the only railway line into the region. It links to Christchurch via Arthur's Pass. The TranzAlpine train service runs return between Christchurch and Greymouth daily and freight lines extend to Ngākawau and Hokitika . Daily passenger flights operate into
10707-624: The first to be defeated in the twentieth century was in 1998, when the Local Government Amendment Bill (No 5) was defeated on its second reading. Individual MPs who are not ministers may propose their own bills, called members' bills —these are usually put forward by opposition parties, or by MPs who wish to deal with a matter that parties do not take positions on. At any time, there are eight members bills awaiting their first reading, and when space becomes available, new member's bills are selected by ballot to be introduced. The ballet
10836-629: The government's contribution to major debates in the House. The leader of the Official Opposition is the MP who leads the largest opposition party. The leader of the House is an MP appointed by the prime minister to arrange government business and the legislative programme of Parliament. Whips (called musterers by the Green Party ) are organisers and administrators of the MPs in each of the political parties in
10965-514: The leader of the Opposition. Members from parties that are not openly aligned with either the Government or the Official Opposition are sometimes referred to as " crossbenchers ". Members have the option of addressing the House in English, Te Reo Māori , or New Zealand Sign Language (with an interpreter provided). Speeches are addressed to the presiding officer, using the words 'Mister Speaker', if
11094-540: The location of the Southern Alps, which give rise to heavy orographic precipitation . The rain shadow effect is responsible for the relatively arid climate of the Canterbury Plains on the other side of the Southern Alps. The region is home to Ngāi Tahu , who value it for the greenstone (pounamu) found there in abundance. The region was only occasionally visited by Europeans until the discovery of gold near
11223-412: The multi-party environment there is significant scope for real debate. Select committees frequently recommend changes to bills, with prompts for change coming from the MPs sitting in the committee, officials who advise the committee, and members of the public. When a majority of the committee is satisfied with the bill, the committee will report back to the House on it. Unless Parliament grants an extension,
11352-581: The next valuable mineral was coal. Discovered near the Buller River in the mid-1840s, mining began in earnest during the 1860s. By the 1880s coal had become the region's main industry, with mines throughout the northern half of the region, especially around Westport . Many of these continued in operation until the mid-20th century, and several survive. Timber has also long been a major industry, although in recent years there has been an uneasy balance between forestry for wood and forestry for conservation. Much of
11481-415: The number of members took effect is shown in the following table. The total number of seats from 1969 to 1975 was calculated by the formula stated in the Electoral Amendment Act 1965: 4M+(PN/(PS/25)) where: 4M = 4 Māori seats; PN = European population of the North Island; PS = European population of the South Island. The total number of seats from 1976 to 1995 was calculated by the formula stated in
11610-432: The party and how they voted must be tabled after the vote. In the personal vote method, MPs enter one of two lobbies (the "Aye" lobby or the "No" lobby) on either side of the chamber. At each lobby are two tellers (themselves MPs) who count the votes of the MPs. Once the division concludes, the tellers provide the results to the speaker, who then announces the result. In case of a tie, the motion lapses. Every sitting day
11739-410: The party vote method, the clerk of the House reads out each party's name in turn. A member of the party (usually a whip) will respond to their party's name by stating how many members of the party are in favour and how many members are opposed. The clerk tallies up the votes and gives the results to the speaker, who announces the result. If the members of a party are not unanimous, a list of the members of
11868-503: The people ( see § Passage of legislation ). The House of Representatives also plays an important role in responsible government . The New Zealand Government (that is, the executive ), directed by the Cabinet, draws its membership exclusively from the House. A government is formed when a party or coalition can show that it has the "confidence" of the House, meaning the support of a majority of members of parliament. This can involve making agreements among several parties. Some may join
11997-399: The population resides. It is divided into the three local government districts of (from north to south) Buller , Grey and Westland . The land is very scenic, with wild coastlines, mountains and a very high proportion of native bush , much of it native temperate rain forest . It is the only part of New Zealand where significant tracts of lowland forest remain: elsewhere, for instance on
12126-518: The practice in the British Parliament where bills were literally read aloud in the chamber. In New Zealand only a bill's title is read aloud. Once a bill has passed through all its parliamentary stages it is enacted and becomes an act of Parliament , forming part of New Zealand's law . Bills become acts after being approved three times by House votes and then receiving the Royal Assent from
12255-419: The prime minister and is surrounded by Opposition spokespersons. A member who is not a minister or spokesperson is referred to as a " backbencher ". A backbencher may still be subject to party discipline (called " whipping "). Whips ensure that members of their party attend and vote as the party leadership desires. Government whips are seated behind the prime minister; Opposition whips are normally seated behind
12384-406: The prime minister and other party leaders are entitled to make longer speeches. Debate may be further restricted by the passage of "time allocation" motions. Alternatively, the House may end debate more quickly by passing a motion for "closure". A vote is held to resolve a question when it is put to the House of Representatives. The House first votes by voice vote; the speaker or deputy speaker puts
12513-494: The process is the first reading. The member introducing the bill (often a minister) will give a detailed speech on the bill as a whole. Debate on the bill last about two hours for government bills and one hour for other members' bills, with 12 MPs making ten-minute speeches on the bill's general principles. Speaking slots are allocated based on the size of each party, with different parties using different methods to distribute their slots among their members. The member introducing
12642-401: The question, and MPs respond either "Aye" (in favour of the motion) or "No" (against the motion). The presiding officer then announces the result of the voice vote, but if his assessment is challenged by any member, a recorded vote known as a division follows. There are two methods of handling a division: party vote is used for most votes, but personal vote is used for conscience issues. In
12771-510: The region is public land administered by the Department of Conservation and the region has some of the best remaining stands of native forest, along with a wealth of rare wildlife. Ecotourism is now an important industry, and this goes hand in hand with the conservation efforts. The West Coast region covers 23,245.52 km (8,975.15 sq mi) and has an estimated population of 34,800 as of June 2024, 0.7% of New Zealand's population. It
12900-489: The region. Air New Zealand flies between Christchurch and Hokitika and Sounds Air between Wellington and Westport. New Zealand House of Representatives Official Opposition (34) Crossbench (21) The House of Representatives ( Māori : Whare o Raro , lit. 'Lower House') is the sole chamber of the New Zealand Parliament . The House passes laws , provides ministers to form
13029-405: The remaining 48 seats are apportioned (from party lists ) so that representation in parliament reflects the party vote, although a party has to win one electorate or 5 percent of the total party vote before it is eligible for these seats. After the introduction of proportional representation, no single party won an outright majority until the 2020 election when Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern led
13158-412: The rules, practices and customs of the House". Another important officer is the serjeant-at-arms , whose duties include the maintenance of order and security in the precincts of the House. The serjeant-at-arms sits in the debating chamber opposite the speaker at the visitors door for each House sitting session. The serjeant-at-arms is also the custodian of the mace , and bears the mace into and out of
13287-450: The sea. From December 2010, the combined opening migrated south. Between 2013 and 2015, the channel moved further south by over 2 kilometres (1.2 mi). In 2016, the channel was 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) south of the most direct route from the river to the sea. This southern location of the channel increases the risk of flooding in some areas of Karamea. A report to the West Coast Regional Council in 2016 recommended mechanical excavation of
13416-461: The select committee stage even by parties which do not support it—since select committees can recommend amendments to bills, parties will often not make a final decision on whether to back a bill until the second reading. Prior to the first reading, the attorney-general will check the bill is consistent with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 . If the bill or part of it is not consistent,
13545-429: The service industry employs approximately a quarter of the workforce. Other former industries in the area include sphagnum moss , possum control, fishing, and fine furniture production. Horticultural tomato growers and a plant nursery also provide income. Fruit grown in the area includes tamarillo , which can be grown here due to the area's mild and frost-free microclimate . In 2020, it was reported that there had been
13674-415: The south of the existing outlet. Deposits of silt raised the level of the river bed and led to a greatly increased risk of flooding in the townships of Karamea and Market Cross. On 30 December 1929 there was heavy damage in Karamea and Arapito from a sudden flood attributed to the breach of a dam created during the earthquake. In April 1931, floodwaters entered most of the homes around Market Cross, and some in
13803-405: The south side of the river, and 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) inland, is the small settlement of Arapito , and across the river from it is the settlement of Umere . These were originally called Promised Land and Land of Promise , respectively, when they were settled around 1880. The mouth of the Ōpārara River is around 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) north of the centre of Karamea. Little Wanganui
13932-420: The speaker. No member may speak more than once on the same question (except that the mover of a motion is entitled to make one speech at the beginning of the debate and another at the end). The Standing Orders of the House of Representatives prescribe time limits for speeches. The limits depend on the nature of the motion, but are most commonly between ten and twenty minutes. However, under certain circumstances,
14061-399: The steamer Charles Edward , on 27 November 1874. Most of the 20 men who were landed had no experience of breaking in new land. They were initially allocated small sections of pakihi – flat boggy land with infertile, waterlogged soil high up on a terrace to the south of the Karamea River. Better land was found on the Karamea River flats below the terrace, but there were delays before this land
14190-422: The strongest growing regional economies of New Zealand in 2022, though from a rather small base. Industries include mining for coal and alluvial gold , forestry and wood processing, fishing (including whitebaiting ), tourism and farming. Dairy farming has grown strongly – the local dairy co-operative Westland Milk Products remained independent when most others merged to form Fonterra in 2001. In
14319-526: The table, ready to advise the speaker on procedure when necessary. Members of the Government occupy the seats on the speaker's right, while members of the Official Opposition sit on the speaker's left. Members are assigned seating on the basis of the seniority in a party caucus; ministers sit around the prime minister, who is traditionally assigned the fourth seat along the front row on the speaker's right. The Opposition leader sits directly across from
14448-403: The term of the 53rd parliament . Based on British tradition, the longest continuously serving member in the House holds the unofficial title " father [or mother] of the House ". The current Father of the House is Gerry Brownlee , the current speaker, who has served continuously since 1996 . He inherited the title following the departure of former speaker Trevor Mallard , who had served in
14577-408: The time limit for select committee deliberations is six months or whatever deadline was set by the House when the bill was referred. The second reading, like the first, generally consists of a two-hour debate in which MPs make ten-minute speeches. Again, speaking slots are allocated to parties based on their size. In theory, speeches should relate to the principles and objects of the bill, and also to
14706-459: The township during a heavy flood in the river in February 1940. Survey records since 1912 indicate that there have been either single or double openings to the sea from the Ōtūmahana Estuary, and that these openings have migrated over 4.5 kilometres (2.8 mi) of shoreline since records began. Between 2008 and 2010, the two openings merged at a location giving a direct exit from the Karamea River to
14835-503: The township. In 1899, a large flood swept away a new bridge across the river and caused damage to settlers homes, farms and crops. Another major flood caused serious damage in January 1915, inundating the main street and the majority of houses. The Murchison earthquake on 17 June 1929 led to debris blocking the existing mouth of the Karamea River, and a new outlet to the sea formed from the Ōtūmahana lagoon around 1.6 kilometres (0.99 mi) to
14964-653: The upper chamber, the Legislative Council , was abolished in 1950. Parliament received full control over all New Zealand affairs in 1947 with the passage of the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act . The debating chamber of the House of Representatives is located inside Parliament House in Wellington , the capital city. Sittings of the House are usually open to the public, but the House may at any time vote to sit in private. Proceedings are broadcast through Parliament TV and
15093-425: Was $ 19,900, compared with $ 31,800 nationally. 48 people (7.8%) earned over $ 70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 219 (35.6%) people were employed full-time, 126 (20.5%) were part-time, and 27 (4.4%) were unemployed. In 2020, it was reported that Karamea had a GDP of $ 26.8m, with 199 jobs in 111 businesses. Dairy farming and tourism are the main economic drivers, and
15222-404: Was 16.4, compared with 27.1% nationally. Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 65.1% had no religion, 21.8% were Christian , 0.4% had Māori religious beliefs and 1.7% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 54 (8.8%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 165 (26.8%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income
15351-558: Was 48.1 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 5,448 people (16.3%) aged under 15 years, 4,518 (13.5%) aged 15 to 29, 15,861 (47.5%) aged 30 to 64, and 7,563 (22.7%) aged 65 or older. People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 89.7% European ( Pākehā ); 13.5% Māori ; 1.6% Pasifika ; 4.0% Asian ; 0.5% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 4.3% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English
15480-443: Was allocated. Women and children arrived in January 1875. In October 1875, using labour from the settlers, work began on creating an inland track over the hills between Little Wanganui and Mohikinui to bypass the difficult and dangerous coastal track. The road to Karamea over the hilly section (known as the Karamea bluffs) north of Mokihinui, was not opened until 1916. The Murchison earthquake on 17 June 1929 caused severe damage in
15609-489: Was established at the south-east corner of the estuary in 1983. A life-size bronze statue of the extinct Haast's eagle or hōkioi was erected in Karamea in 2020. The initiative was a joint undertaking of the Karamea Estuary Enhancement Project and local iwi Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō and Ngāti Waewae. The hōkioi represents the spiritual guardian of the estuary. The statue is called Te Maia Kahurangi , and
15738-517: Was established in 1911, to purchase the Curtin's factory. The new company received its first cream for processing on 20 September 1911. Approximately 40 tonnes was produced in the first year. There was no road out of Karamea at the time, so all the production had to be shipped on vessels that were capable of crossing the Karamea bar. In 1935, the Karamea dairy factory was manufacturing 300 tonnes of butter annually. The industry slowly expanded, and milk powder
15867-511: Was manufactured locally from the 1970s. Local processing eventually ceased, and milk is now transported by road tanker to Hokitika . Karamea is 96 kilometres (60 mi) north of Westport on State Highway 67 . The town is situated on a coastal plain adjacent to the mouth of the Karamea River and the Ōtūmahana Estuary in Karamea Bight , a large bay formed by the curve of coastline for 100 kilometres (62 mi) north from Cape Foulwind , to
15996-402: Was on the way. There was insufficient work available to employ all these immigrants, and the province turned again to Special Settlement Areas as a solution. Karamea was chosen as a site for a Special Settlement Area partly because the area was already known from a gold rush 7 years earlier, but also that it had a harbour, and there were steamers passing regularly along the coast. By November 1874,
16125-556: Was spoken by 98.0%, Māori language by 2.3%, Samoan by 0.2% and other languages by 5.6%. No language could be spoken by 1.5% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.5%. The percentage of people born overseas was 13.2, compared with 28.8% nationally. Religious affiliations were 29.8% Christian , 0.6% Hindu , 0.2% Islam , 0.3% Māori religious beliefs , 0.4% Buddhist , 0.7% New Age , 0.1% Jewish , and 1.2% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 57.8%, and 9.0% of people did not answer
16254-467: Was subsequently settled by thousands of Irish Catholics after the Irish Famine , who constitute the majority of the population, alongside the indigenous Kāi Tahu and those who come from admixing between the two populations. The region was also heavily sought after by nuclear weapons states in the 1950s for its abundant resources of uranium , which many West Coasters found objectionable. The West Coast
16383-487: Was that 12,819 (45.9%) people were employed full-time, 4,101 (14.7%) were part-time, and 687 (2.5%) were unemployed. There are only four towns with a population over 1,000: Greymouth , Westport , Hokitika and Runanga . These four towns, plus Reefton (population 980), are recognised as urban areas by Statistics New Zealand. During the gold rush days, Hokitika had a population of more than 25,000 with more than 100 pubs . A recreation of an early New Zealand settlement
16512-475: Was the first self-governing nation to enfranchise women , starting from the 1893 election . There are a few disqualifications; for example, mentally-impaired persons detained in hospital and prisoners sentenced to a term of over three years are ineligible to vote. Parliamentary elections are conducted by secret ballot —for European New Zealanders since 1871 and Māori seats since 1938 . Almost all general elections between 1853 and 1993 were held under
16641-407: Was unveiled on 22 February 2020. It depicts the ancestor Te Maia who rode an eagle he raised from a chick. It was cast in bronze by Gillie and Marc and is 300 cm high. The Karamea River has a catchment area, including its tributaries, of 1,210 km (470 sq mi), representing around 23% of the entire area of Kahurangi National Park. There is a history of the river causing flooding in
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