The Prime Minister of New Zealand (Māori: Te Pirimia o Aotearoa) is the primary minister of the Crown, chairman of the Cabinet, and head of government in New Zealand. The office exists by long-established convention (originating in New Zealand's former colonial power, the United Kingdom) that stipulates the monarch's representative, the Governor-General, must select as prime minister the person most likely to command the confidence of the New Zealand House of Representatives. This individual is typically the leader of the political party that holds the largest number of seats in that chamber. John Key of the National Party has served in the office since 19 November 2008; he won re-election in 2011 and in 2014. The title "Prime Minister" had made its first formal appearance in the 1873 Schedule of the Civil List Act, but originally the head of government was entitled Colonial Secretary or First Minister. This was formally changed in 1869 to "Premier". This title remained in use for over thirty years, being informally changed by Richard Seddon to "Prime Minister" in 1901 during his tenure in office. Following the declaration of New Zealand as a Dominion in 1907, the term "Prime Minister" has been used exclusively.

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