New Zealand does not have a king; instead, it is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The head of state is the Governor-General, who represents the British monarch in New Zealand. As of October 2023, the monarch is King Charles III, who became king following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. The role of the Governor-General includes performing ceremonial duties, signing legislation, and representing New Zealand at official events. While the monarch has a symbolic role, the day-to-day governance of the country is managed by the elected Prime Minister and the Parliament of New Zealand.