General Debate
General debate: Bouquets and lumps of brick
Today's General Debate was a potpourri of arguments and approaches, of bouquets and lumps of brick. The House surveys it's tones and themes. Audio
Comedy stylings and slap-downs: a debating tradition
There is a surprising amount of humour at Parliament, especially in the General Debate and especially as an opening riposte to the previous speaker. Audio
The importance of being critical
Sometimes Parliament’s highlights are the moments it changes the topic. Today those diversions included a defense of attack, and an attack on getting roughy. Audio
The Ultimate General: Parliament’s last debate
On their way out the door MPs took a last swing at representation, policy ideas and general fisticuffs. Audio
A harsh general - photo essay
As a debate goes from electoral to eviscerating The House captures the moments
Parliament returns to normal service
Like us all Parliament has been slowly, inexorably returning to normal service. This week included two quite novel events - at least novel recently. Video, Audio
Parliament last week: a general debate and 2x Covid-19
Parliament's second week in the debating chamber at alert level 3 includes the return of the General debate and two Covid-19 related bills. Video, Audio
General Debate: scenes from the bear pit
On Wednesdays in Parliament MPs get to strain slightly harder at their leashes during the general debate. We caught the action from one Wednesday on camera.
Oral questions versus the general debate
In the years' first Taupatupatu Whānui the messages were an uncanny mirror of oral Questions just ended. Mostly. Audio