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The Realm of New Zealand is the area over which the monarch of New Zealand is head of state. The realm is not a federation but is a collection of states and territories united under its monarch. New Zealand is an independent and sovereign state that has one territorial claim in Antarctica (the Ross Dependency), one dependent territory (Tokelau), and two associated states (the Cook Islands and Niue).[1] The Realm of New Zealand encompasses the three autonomous jurisdictions of New Zealand, the Cook Islands, and Niue.[2]
The Ross Dependency has no permanent inhabitants, while Tokelau, the Cook Islands and Niue have indigenous populations. The United Nations formally classifies Tokelau as a non-self-governing territory; the Cook Islands and Niue are internally self-governing, with New Zealand retaining responsibility for defence and for most foreign affairs. The governor-general of New Zealand represents the monarch throughout the Realm of New Zealand, though the Cook Islands have an additional king's representative.
The four states and territories form an informal currency union but not a customs union; each is in its own customs zone.[3][4][5]
- ^ New Zealand's Constitution, New Zealand government, retrieved 20 November 2009
- ^ Frame, Alex (1992). "Fundamental Rights in the Realm of New Zealand: theory and practice" (PDF). Victoria U. Wellington L. Rev. 22: 85.
- ^ Tokelau Customs Regulations 1991
- ^ Niue Customs Act 1966, Niue Customs Tariff Act 1982
- ^ Cook Islands Customs Legislation and Tariffs