New Zealand Constitution Amendment (Request and Consent) Act 1947

The New Zealand Constitution Amendment (Request and Consent) Act 1947 is a pivotal piece of legislation in New Zealand's constitutional history. It formally requested and consented to the United Kingdom Parliament enacting the Statute of Westminster Amendment Act 1947. This latter Act gave the New Zealand Parliament full power to amend its own constitution, including the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852 (UK).

Prior to 1947, although New Zealand enjoyed a significant degree of self-government, the United Kingdom Parliament retained the power to legislate for New Zealand. This stemmed from New Zealand's status as a Dominion within the British Empire. The Statute of Westminster 1931 had provided a pathway for Dominions to achieve full legislative independence, but New Zealand had not initially adopted it.

The 1947 Act was therefore a crucial step in New Zealand achieving full legislative sovereignty. It signaled New Zealand's formal request to the UK Parliament to relinquish its remaining constitutional authority. The "request and consent" aspect of the Act was fundamental, as it underscored that the change was being initiated by New Zealand itself, not imposed by the United Kingdom.

The Statute of Westminster Amendment Act 1947, enacted by the UK Parliament as a result of New Zealand's request, then amended the Statute of Westminster 1931 specifically in its application to New Zealand. It removed the requirement for New Zealand to request and consent to any future legislation passed by the UK Parliament affecting New Zealand. This effectively granted New Zealand full power to amend or repeal any UK legislation that applied to New Zealand, including its own Constitution Act.

The New Zealand Constitution Amendment (Request and Consent) Act 1947, along with the Statute of Westminster Amendment Act 1947, are therefore cornerstones of New Zealand's constitutional independence, marking the country's transition from a Dominion of the British Empire to a fully sovereign nation with control over its own constitutional arrangements.