Johnny Blades

Petitions to Parliament don't always result in a change to law or policy as intended, but they can be an effective way of the public getting a message to those in power.  Audio

The principle that all MPs are honourable and that they should be taken at their word has been tested multiple times this week in Parliament. Audio

This weekly edition looks at thresholds: regarding what gets the nod for Urgent Debates, and also what it's like being a List MP on the cusp of Parliament. Audio

The Health Select Committee has been digesting the Auditor-General’s report on how well public organisations are working to meet the mental health needs of young people. Audio

Due to vagaries of the MMP system, some list MPs must endure a period of waiting and uncertainty before they can enter Parliament. Audio

A big new wooden superstructure is about to be built out the back of Parliament House, and is planned to be ready to fit dozens of MPs by the next election. Audio

A rare four-week sitting block at Parliament has wound up, with the Government’s programme of moving legislation through under urgency used throughout. Audio

Due to the increasing demands on the work of the Office of the Clerk in an environment of funding constraints, the efficiency of some key Parliament functions could suffer. Audio

The new Parliament has spent most of its existence under urgency. What is that, and why use it?  Audio

This morning’s debates in the chamber provided multiple examples of how difficult it can be as a presiding officer when contentious bills are going through under urgency. Audio