Parliament

MPs have clashed for the first time since the election in a fiery debate that'll set the tone for the next three years.

Party leaders argued over race relations, conspiracies and Labour's election… Audio

Before MPs can fight they must first swear. Swearing is the main business of Parliament's first day, other than choosing themselves a judge and protector - the Speaker. 

Parliament business got underway after the State Opening of the 54th Parliament, a ceremony of pomp and pageantry culminating in the Speech from the Throne. Audio

Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins re-entered the Parliamentary ring this afternoon, exchanging vicious blows in the first debate of this term. It followed the pomp and pageantry of this morning's… Audio

The new Speaker Gerry Brownlee has offered a heads-up about how he'll run Parliament, with Standing Orders to be a mere guide rather than a strict line to follow. Audio

With a government now formed the 54th Parliament can finally get underway. Twice. Here’s how that happens.

Wellingtonians can breathe a sigh of relief after a protest involving hundreds of people mirroring last years anti mandate occupation remained peaceful. The protest organised by Brian Tamaki's Freedom… Video, Audio

Scientific research has taken Dr Chandrika Nath from pole to pole. As a glaciologist she has worked in Lapland and Antarctica, spending 100 days in the latter collecting data samples in extreme… Audio

The final thing Parliament did before adjourning was agree rules changes for the next Parliament. We discuss them with senior clerks David Wilson and Gabor Hellyer. Audio

Before Parliament adjourned it agreed new rules for next time. In discussing them MPs gave glimpses into the rules they would like to change and the Parliament they wished existed. Audio

MPs have been debating whether to lower the voting age for local council elections to 16 years of age from the current age of 18. Audio

The last sitting week of the 53rd Parliament has a fairly packed schedule of government business, plus debate on the Standing Orders Committee's regular report, and the Adjournment Debate. Audio