Cabinet

Cabinet is the central decision making body of executive government. It reconciles Ministers' individual responsibilities with their collective responsibility and is the ultimate arbiter of all government policy.

For general information about Cabinet's role, powers and membership, see paragraphs 5.2 - 5.5 of the Cabinet Manual. For information about the principles of Cabinet decision making (including consultation, confidentiality and collective responsibility), see paragraphs 5.11 - 5.35 of the Cabinet Manual.

Ministers are appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister. All Ministers are members of the Executive Council. A list of the names and portfolios of current Ministers is on the Cabinet Office website at http://www.cabinetoffice.govt.nz.

Cabinet usually meets on Mondays in the Cabinet Room on the 10th floor of the Beehive. The Executive Council generally meets after Cabinet.

Cabinet meetings are attended by Ministers inside Cabinet. With the permission of the Prime Minister, Ministers outside Cabinet sometimes attend for discussions on specific items. Cabinet meetings are not attended by departmental officials. The only officials present are the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of the Cabinet.

Cabinet considers:

• papers referred by Cabinet committees;
• minutes of the previous round of Cabinet committee meetings; and
• papers that have been submitted directly to Cabinet by Ministers.