New Zealand, Government of. New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the United Kingdom's monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. She appoints a governor general, who is recommended by New Zealand's prime minister, to represent her. The governor general's main function is to arrange for the leader of the political party with the most support in Parliament to form a government. The governor general's consent is also required before bills can become law, but this requirement is normally a formality. The legislature, prime minister, and Cabinet run the government.