The Clerk acts as adviser on parliamentary procedure to Members of Parliament. The Clerk is responsible to the House as a whole and provides advice and assistance to all members, regardless of party or office held. The Clerk and staff of the Office also provide administrative and support services to the House and select committees. Parliament can delegate its law-making power to the Executive Council, ministers, government departments, local authorities and other bodies. These subordinate bodies can then also make laws, but only within the limits decided by Parliament.
Local authorities are an important example of bodies that have delegated powers.
Decisions about stray dogs in Taupo, about building new stormwater drains in Dunedin, and about which rugby league club gets to use the local football field on Saturday afternoon, are best made by local people. Parliament also delegates many powers to Ministers. These powers cover things such as motor vehicle safety regulations, setting salaries for civil servants, and appointing ambassadors to foreign countries. Common law Parliament is not the only source of law. Parliament makes statute laws, which are called Acts of Parliament.