13 Jul 2018

Region's speakers get together to try and overcome challenges

From , 5:04 am on 13 July 2018

Getting more women elected, getting young people involved, and shedding light on their role were the main themes when parliamentary speakers from around the region gathered this week.

The annual gathering of speakers and clerks spoke of trying to make parliaments more accessible and inclusive -- something which has been a particular challenge in the Pacific.

Jamie Tahana went along.

They get a big chair right at the front of parliament, and what they say in the chamber goes.

But, according to David Wilson, who is the clerk of New Zealand's parliament, being the speaker is a lonely job.