Stories by Johnny Blades

Over the last six years, parliament’s clerks have had to vet about 40,000 written questions each year. So how are written questions used and what are the democratic benefits? Audio

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

The work of the Auditor-General’s office features often in this week’s select committee hearings at Parliament, and for good reason. Audio

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

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

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

Due to vagaries of the MMP system, some list MPs must endure a period of waiting and uncertainty before they can enter Parliament. Audio

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

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 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

The Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade select committee has been holding its annual review of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Audio

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

An unusually long sitting block begins today at Parliament, beginning with another repeal of law passed by the previous government. Audio

Live-streaming of public select committee hearings is now being hosted on Parliament’s own website instead of on Facebook. Audio

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

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

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

The number of Members of Parliament who come from farming backgrounds has risen markedly, while the average age of MPs has bumped up to near 50. 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.

Under new rules for Parliament, any future proposed entrenchment of a law must first be considered by a select committee before being considered by all MPs.

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

If there’s one group who we don’t hear enough about, it’s the photographers who cover Parliament. A new exhibition is casting light on five of these practitioners. We talk to two of them. Audio

As more valedictory speeches were heard in Parliament’s chamber, a warning was sounded from a departing MP about race baiting and dog whistling to extremism. Audio