Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

DPMC serves the Executive (the Prime Minister, the Governor-General, and the Cabinet) through the provision of high quality impartial advice and support services which make government decision-making easier at both strategic and operational levels.

The department is made up of five groups each with a distinct role: Cabinet Office including the Honours Secretariat, Policy Advisory Group, External Assessments Bureau, Domestic and External Security Group, and Government House.

The Cabinet Office is responsible for running Cabinet and Cabinet Committees. Cabinet Office staff attend meetings and prepare decisions of all the Cabinet and Cabinet Committee meetings held during the week, and distribute them to Ministers. It is also involved in constitutional policy and issues covered by the Cabinet Manual, the guide to the working of central government. A Legislation Programme Co-ordinator supports the Chair of the Cabinet Legislation Committee.

The Honours Secretariat administers the New Zealand Honours System, including the institution and conferring of honours, decorations and medals.

Policy Advisory Group provides advice on issues of the day directly to the Prime Minister and to other Ministers. A part of the advisors' job is to co-ordinate the advice coming in from different government departments.

External Assessments Bureau (EAB) provides reports on political, economic or strategic events and trends overseas which affect New Zealand's interests to the Prime Minister, other ministers, and to senior officials in other departments.

Domestic and External Security Group (DESG) advises the Prime Minister on security and related issues in New Zealand and overseas.

Government House ensures that the Governor-General is provided with all the support required to carry out constitutional, ceremonial and representational duties.