Parliament
How MPs cope with strains of the job
MPs have some of the highest pressure jobs in New Zealand, and the stressors aren’t always what you might think. So does anyone help them carry the load, and how do they personally cope? Audio
Member's Day surprises and more in short sitting block
It was a sitting block of just one week but it had its share of surprises, routine stuff and signs of a changing culture around scrutiny at committee level. Audio
The debate James Shaw delayed his retirement for
Members Day this week had it all: surprise votes, big and niche issues, success and failure. A bill from a retiring MP led to an environmental rights debate which included gaping philosophical divides… Audio
The well-worn path between Auditor-General and Parliament
The work of the Auditor-General’s office features often in this week’s select committee hearings at Parliament, and for good reason. Audio
Getting stuck on attack: the slow road to positivity in government
The Speaker has begun steering ministerial answers away from outright attacks on the previous government, and towards answers. The road to positivity for new governments is long and difficult. Audio
How petitions get Parliament's attention
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
How to MP: Tips from a ‘great parliamentarian’
As he departs from Parliament, Grant Roberson outlines the skills and requirements for being a successful MP, and what he would replace Question Time with. Video, Audio
Getting specific or aiming wide: The tactics of Question Time
A look at the tactics of primary questions during Question Time, with help from Grant Robertson, Judith Collins and Gerry Brownlee. Audio
Taking MPs at their word, or not
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
Parliament begins with money bills on a deadline
This week’s sitting of Parliament began with two finance bills that have deadlines attached. Audio
Making the cut: two of Parliament's thresholds
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
Auditor-General's youth mental health report before committee
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
Oral Questions for 21 March 2024.
HON PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN to the Minister for Disability Issues: Does she stand by her statement regarding funding for disability support services, "They have been trying to deal with that, and we… Audio
Waiting weeks for urgent debates
Urgent Debates are granted or denied by Speakers. Most are denied. This week a Speaker's ruling moved the goal posts for that allowance, a lot. Audio
Touch and go: list MPs on the cusp
Due to vagaries of the MMP system, some list MPs must endure a period of waiting and uncertainty before they can enter Parliament. Audio
Parliament’s future out the back
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
Chris Bishop: On keeping a tidy parliament
New goverment, new parliament, new Leader of the House. Chris Bishop is now the Minister responsible for shepherding the Government's legislative agenda. He explains how. Audio