Machinery of Government

 This learning helps you understand how decisions are made, how agencies work together, and how public services are delivered.

Whether you work in policy, operations, service delivery or a support role, understanding the machinery of government can help you see how your work contributes to wider government priorities. It provides useful context for navigating the public sector and building a broader understanding of the system you work in.

The LDC created this learning. 

Introduction to the Machinery of Government 

This 2 minute video provides a high-level introduction to the machinery of government, empowering public servants to understand their role within the broader machinery of government system and context.

Your Role in the Machinery of Government

This conversation guide supports discussions on the concept of the machinery of government in the New Zealand public sector and why it is an important to us as public servants.

Your Role as a Public Servant in the Machinery of Government [PDF, 152KB]

Accountability and oversight in the New Zealand Government

This elearning module helps you to understand the different accountability measures in the public sector, who is responsible for upholding them, and why they are an important mechanism to ensure trust and confidence in the public sector. 

Accountability and Oversight in the New Zealand Government (this link opens in a new tab)

Government Structure and Key Roles 

This elearning module supports public servants to understand the structures and key roles that enable the Government and the public sector to function and deliver services to New Zealand citizens

Government Structure and Key Roles (this link opens in a new tab)

Government Structures and Key Roles (accessible version) [PDF, 821 KB]