The Citizen's Handbook

RNZ Originals
  • 4.8 (97)
  • COMEDY
  • COMPLETE SERIES

Want to become a better New Zealand citizen? Just pick up this hilarious guide to New Zealand's civics and history.

Season 1

  1. EPISODE 1

    Tangata Whenua

    It's The Citizen's Handbook! A game show where comedians try to separate fact from fiction. Episode one kicks off with Robbie Nicol trying to trick comedian Jamaine Ross about He Whakaputanga, and sees Jamaine lying to Robbie about the legendary trickster Māui. Watch the video version of the episode here The Citizen's Handbook begins where all good series start: the beginning! This episode tackles the settlement of Aotearoa, starting with travellers from all over Polynesia and then British and European settlers. Robbie helps break down how the tangata whenua established their communities, and how Māori established a way of life throughout Aotearoa. However, things didn't always stay as harmonious... Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    26 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    The New Settlers

    True or false? The man who colonised New Zealand kidnapped a 15-year-old girl, and plotted colonisation while in prison. Find out when Pax Assadi and Robbie Nicol examine Edward Gibbon Wakefield and the battle at Wairau Valley. Watch the video version of the episode here In this episode, Robbie explores the colonisation of New Zealand. In the 1700s, Captain Cook came to New Zealand on a 'scientific' expedition. When Cook's notes about how beautiful the country was reached his home shores, a steady flow of British settlers embarked on these fair shores. It was only a matter of time before word spread of Aotearoa's many resources, including seals, whales, and gold, and settlers from all over the world flocked to get a share. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    23 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    The Settler Government

    How did the New Zealand Government come to be? Robbie talks us through how the 1852 New Zealand constitution gave settlers the right to create laws to do... well, pretty much whatever they wanted. Comedian Laura Daniel flexes all her skills as she talks about Māori Parliament, while Robbie lies about New Zealand provinces. Watch the video version of the episode here How did the New Zealand Government come to be? Robbie talks us through how the 1852 New Zealand constitution gave settlers the right to create laws to do... well, pretty much whatever they wanted. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    23 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    The Constitution

    How do you get five million people in New Zealand to cooperate? Robbie delves into the basic rules and conventions of how a government works, and explains the three branches of government with comedian Donna Brookbanks. Watch the video version of the episode here Robbie asks a big question: how do you get five million people in New Zealand to cooperate? The answer is: you form a government. In this episode, we delve into the basic rules and conventions of how a government works, and explain the three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judiciary. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    26 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    A Bill Becomes a Law

    How do you get parliament to do what you want it to? Before a law is a law, it's a bill; and before a bill is passed, it goes through a select committee. Comedian Chris Parker tries to sneak a few past Robbie Nicol, while Robbie lies to Chris about the governors-general. Watch the video version of the episode here Now that we know how the government works, Robbie tackles the next big questions: how do you get parliament to do what you want it to? Before a law is a law, it's a bill; and before a bill is passed, it goes through a select committee. This is where you come in. Dig out your old quill and piece of parchment, then write to your MP and tell them what you think; otherwise, tune in to Robbie, who will tell you more ways to get parliament to listen. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    24 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    Law Enforcement

    Robbie informs us of the generations of New Zealand police. From the Armed Constabulary in the 1800s to the New Zealand Police Force of today. Comedian Brynley Stent lies about the police and protests, while Robbie explains your rights. Watch the video version of the episode here We begin in the 1800s, when British settlers thought their colonising army was too expensive, so they replaced them with the armed constabulary, which was cheaper. That was then replaced by the armed police force which eventually became a big organisation called the New Zealand Police Force. Robbie goes deep into how your skin colour can affect your odds of being suspected by the police. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    25 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    The Court System

    Not only is Alice Snedden a comedian, but she also has a law degree! This episode finds Alice showcasing her skills while Robbie tries to lie about capital punishment in New Zealand. Alice talks about New Zealand's first woman lawyer, Ethel Rebecca Benjamin. Watch the video version of the episode here We start this episode at a time before the Brits arrived, and see what conflict resolution looked like and how the community was involved. When the Brits arrived, they refused to follow local iwi law, so instead brought their own dispute-resolution system from home. Robbie looks at New Zealand's court systems, the purpose for each one, what happens if you need to go to court, and the options New Zealand citizens have. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    24 min

  8. EPISODE 8

    The Market

    Robbie looks at the "special token" system that was introduced - replacing the traditional Māori trade system - and what the rules are and how the government of New Zealand is involved. He goes head-to-head with comedian Eli Mathewson, talking about Sir Roger Douglas and Dame Marilyn Waring. Watch the video version of the episode here Before money was introduced to Aotearoa, everyone worked in their hapū to grow, work, and trade for what was needed in their community. The Brits arrived and introduced "special tokens" that were used at markets for trading goods and services - this is what we call money. In this episode, Robbie looks at this "special token" system, what the rules are, and how the government of New Zealand is involved. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    24 min

  9. EPISODE 9

    Managing the Economy

    TPPA... CPTP... What does it all mean? Tom Sainsbury explains while Robbie lies about the GDP. We look into how a recession and hyperinflation is avoided, and what this means for us. Watch the video version of the episode here What do we need to know about the New Zealand economy? Robbie delves into the government's role in the economy, and how it's regulated. We look into how a recession and hyperinflation is avoided, and what this means for us. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    25 min

  10. EPISODE 10

    Foreign Affairs

    The final episode of the series sees Robbie lying about Nuclear Free New Zealand, while James Roque discusses the Mau movement in Samoa. Watch the video version of the episode here In the final episode of The Citizen's Handbook, Robbie explores how New Zealand used to interact with the rest of the world, and how it does now. The United Kingdom used to run our international relations, which made no sense, so in 1943, the Department of External Affairs was introduced. Robbie looks at the special relationships New Zealand has with other countries, and what role climate change has in all of this. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    25 min

  11. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Introducing: The Citizen's Handbook

    New Zealand civics is filled with the weird and wonderful, which leads us to the Citizen's Handbook podcast, a show which finds Robbie Nicol competing against a comedian in explaining New Zealand Civics, told in fact and fiction. Series Classification: PG (Parental Guidance) Watch the video trailer here The Citizen's Handbook is a ten-part video and podcast comedy series and civics class for all New Zealanders, created by the award-winning team behind the popular satirical web show White Man Behind a Desk. The series covers five topics: history, politics, law, economics, and international relations. In writing and producing the series, the creators (Robbie Nicol & Finnius Teppett) have teamed up with relevant experts and a writers' room built on a partnership between Māori and Pākehā to ensure that all information is culturally and historically accurate. Using thorough research and sharp comedy, The Citizen's Handbook empowers its audience with the knowledge of how this country came to be, how it currently works, and how we can face the challenges that lie ahead. The Citizen's Handbook puts the focus on the actions of people, and by highlighting the power of human action in creating the present, demonstrates that your actions can have a powerful impact on the future. It's also really funny. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    2 min

Trailer

4.8
out of 5
97 Ratings

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Want to become a better New Zealand citizen? Just pick up this hilarious guide to New Zealand's civics and history.

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