Parliament
Testy times for presiding officers
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
Foreign minister seeks larger diplomatic footprint, despite cuts
The Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade select committee has been holding its annual review of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Audio
Parliament pauses out of respect for Efeso Collins
Parliament has paused out of respect for the Green Party MP Efeso Collins who died unexpectedly in Auckland this morning. Audio
Is Casey Costello facing a privilege complaint?
Wise MPs apologise hard and early, but Casey Costello's correction may be late. The Speaker appears to have revealed he is considering a complaint over a matter of privilege. Audio
Water reforms ditched and digital hitches: Parliament week
This weekly wrap of The House looks at the repeal of major water reforms passed in the last Parliament term, and a Select Committee hearing on news media's existential crisis. Audio
News media's existential crisis comes to select committee
A select committee is considering views on a bill that seeks a more level playing field in the digital market that our media industry operates in, where tech giants dominate. Audio
Water reforms down the drain after repeal bill
The Water Services Acts Repeal Bill has passed through all stages while Parliament went into urgency. Audio
Marathon sitting block underway with more repeals
An unusually long sitting block begins today at Parliament, beginning with another repeal of law passed by the previous government. Audio
Parliament's new bible
Parliament's Clerk has just published a new edition of Parliament's own bible, a vast and fascinating compendium of our democracy - Parliamentary Practice in New Zealand. Audio
Select Committee live-streaming moves off Facebook
Live-streaming of public select committee hearings is now being hosted on Parliament’s own website instead of on Facebook. Audio
Harder than it looks: Welcome to the ministry Ms Costello
Being a government minister is harder than it looks. Parliament is a tough master of its governments. This week a clutch of ministers made mea culpas, and one is learning fast just how hard it can be.
…Legislative year begins with ending Productivity Commission
The first piece of legislation Parliament is looking at in 2024 disestablishes a Crown entity that MPs all agreed has been doing great work. But they don't all agree that it should go. Audio
New Year, newish Parliament, new MPs
Leader of the House, Chris Bishop, outlines the week to come in Parliament. A week with 19 maidens and just two bills. Audio
Parliament 2023, year of the shake-up
The House offers a selection of some of the highs and lows, and behind the scenes chats, from a year of great change at Parliament. Audio
Quick bills, long weeks at Parliament
When governments change, the new bunch typically want to quickly make a mark. The first weeks have been long weeks, all about marking fast marks. Audio
Digging in: Parliament's grind towards year's end
There’s a look in the eyes of many people who work on precinct that tells you they just want this parliamentary year to finish already, but it’s not quite done yet. Audio
Parliament's Speaker has outlined his approach to Question Time
The Speaker's role and approach are crucial to Parliament's good functioning. Gerry Brownlee has outlined to MPs what approach he will take in enforcing Parliament's rules regarding Question Time. Audio
Early stanzas: getting a feel for the new Parliament
It's early in the 54th Parliament and things are dynamic, with many MPs either still finding their feet or feeling out the others to see how they roll. Audio