appointed from among the ranks of Parliament. Later, Parliament made further gains, with the convention being established that the governor-general's actions in the Executive Council were bound by the advice that ministers gave. Today, the Executive Council is not used for deliberation—rather, Cabinet is the forum for debate. Cabinet is a separate meeting of most (but usually not all) government ministers, and formally presents proposals to the whole Executive Council only when a decision has already been reached. Ranking The prime minister ranks the Cabinet ministers to determine seniority, or the "pecking order". This ranking depends on factors such as length of service, the relative prominence of a portfolio, and "personal standing with the prime minister". Lists of ministers are often ordered according to each individual minister's ranking. Prominent ministerial positions Prime Minister Deputy Prime Minister Minister of Agriculture Minister of Conservation Minister of Defence Minister of Education Minister of Finance Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister of Health Minister of Internal Affairs Minister of Justice Minister for Māori Development Minister of Social Development Attorney-General List of current portfolios the following ministerial portfolios exist. Many ministers hold multiple positions. See also Parliamentary under-secretary Notes References Citations Sources Constitution of New Zealand Public office-holders in New Zealand