Smack in the middle of the New Zealand Parliament's debating chamber, in no-mans land between the government and opposition benches, is a small table covered with green leather.
This desk is the home of the Hansard reporters - and frankly they should be issued ear-plugs, because on a busy day in the House, this spot must be deafening. But the whole point of them sitting here is not to miss a single word.
Hansard's Cecilia Edwards (left), Luke Harris (centre) and Sue Langdon (right) sit at the Hansard reporting table in the middle of the debating chamber. Photo: VNP / Daniela Maoate-Cox
Hansard are the team that make sure that every word said in Parliament’s debating chamber is recorded for posterity.
And every one of the millions of words from the history of New Zealand’s Parliament is now available free, and copyright free, online.
The move online was completed in time for Hansard’s 150th anniversary this month.
Phil Smith met with three of the Hansard team at their desk to hear more about what they do.
For more about the Hansard anniversary.
The Hansard record of Parliament
