News
Tuatua Mai! - Speak it!
Only 13 percent of the 60,000 Cook Islanders in New Zealand can speak the language so would speaking it in the House help? Cook Island MPs share their thoughts and tips for speaking te reo.
Audio'Let's not just hear English in the House' - PYLAT
A proposal to clarify the rules around speaking Pacific languages in Parliament could get more Pacific youth involved with politics says PYLAT.
AudioThe traditionalist MP - Paul Foster-Bell
The looming election has propelled many MPs into frenzied campaigning but for others it’s a signal that it’s time to move on. National's Paul Foster-Bell talks to The House about leaving Parliament.
Video, AudioThe accidental MP - Annette King
With over thirty years experience as an MP Annette King is a familiar face both in and out of Government but says it was a life she had never planned for.
Video, AudioI hope you die (well)
David Seymour says he hopes you die in your sleep aged 100 but he wants to give you options if the reality gets much nastier.
AudioThe kaupapa MP - Catherine Delahunty
Parliament brings out the worst in people says departing Green MP Catherine Delahunty and she won't miss much when she leaves at the September election.
Video, AudioSitting in a grey area
Many view protesting as a human right but conflict can arise when a movement takes over a public space indefinitely - a bill before Parliament hopes to offer a balanced solution.
AudioDon't fear the reefer
The Drug Foundation says overseas models for medicinal cannabis means New Zealand shouldn't fear changing cannabis law.
AudioBudget 2017: spending under scrutiny
Ministers are facing up to select committees to justify the government's spending following the reveal of Budget 2017 in May.
Audio'In your pay packet there will be a sorry' - $2b settlement for care workers passes
A two billion dollar settlement bill which took years to reach has made its way through Parliament in just two weeks - with the help of a little rule bending.
AudioParliament’s quiet decider
It sounds like the blurb for a Dan Brown novel – ‘a small group pre-determines what will happen in Parliament’. But real life is less thrilling, and better written.
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A bill by any other name
What's in a name? Submitters and MPs say it matters a lot especially when it comes to the title of a bill on family and whanau violence.
AudioPushed off a cliff - pay equity for care and support workers
A settlement bill which would give care and support workers pay rises to suit their qualifications and experience could cost the government more in the long run warn care providers.
Audio‘Many men feel very shamed’- Domestic violence victims protection bill
A bill to give victims of domestic violence better protections at work could encourage more men to open up but lawyers warn the bill's current drafting still needs work.
AudioBudget 2017: What just happened?
The Government's budget was a popular topic in the House last week but how are decisions made on where the money will go and what does Parliament have to do with it? The House explains what stage the…
AudioDollars and pies - the budget debate
The presentation of the Government's budget sparked a debate of optimism and pessimism in the House.
AudioLittle choice, little option - forced adoption in New Zealand
The Ministry for Vulnerable Children says women who were forced to adopt out their children had "very little choice" but the state is not responsible.
AudioA pathway to safety - protecting victims of domestic violence
When your home is unsafe and your violent partner is controlling your every move, how do you escape? Parliament is exploring a pathway.
AudioMore carrot, less sticks
Healthy home advocates say a bill requiring tougher standards for rental properties needs more incentives to get landlords on board.
AudioThe well run show
The leader of the House gives a heads up to the week and the MPs debate mental health and corrections in the House.
AudioLove thy neighbour - MPs praise NZ's Pacific advocacy
The government’s support for its Pacific neighbours has been praised in the House by members during a debate on government spending.
AudioVisiting mother government
The visiting Speaker of Samoa's Parliament says Samoa and New Zealand have much to teach each other.
AudioPasifika Parliament pushing youth to politics
Young Pasifika in Christchurch have set up their own Parliament to make sure their voices are heard by the real Parliament in Wellington.
AudioManaging the dead - tupapaku inquiry
Paramedics, students, and funeral directors tell the Maori Affairs Committee their views on how tupapaku (deceased) should be managed.
Audio'Put a cap on it' - Women's Loan Fund
A women’s loan fund says New Zealand should align its law with other countries and cap the rate of interest on borrowing.
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