Parliament
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
Long sitting block wraps up, urgency used throughout
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
Directing traffic in a bear pit: presiding over Question Time
Taming Question Time is not easy but this week the Speaker has attempted to reign in the use of Points of Order to make out of order points. Audio
Parliament agencies face increased demands and tight funds
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
This week in Parliament
Parliament has another busy week planned this week. Another week spent almost entirely under the rules of urgency, but with some bills heading to select committee.
Parliament: Why so much urgency?
The new Parliament has spent most of its existence under urgency. What is that, and why use it? Audio
Full steam ahead
The new Parliament has spent much of its time so far, debating under urgency. What is that, and why has it? Audio
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