It's been the worst kept secret in Parliament - Trevor Mallard heading off to Ireland as ambassador and handing over the reins as Speaker to Adrian Rurawhe.
The formalities descended into yet another attack on Labour by estranged MP Gaurav Sharma - causing shock and anger on the government benches.
This time his allegations were aimed directly at Mallard - who had taken his new place beside the freshly independent MP up at the back of the chamber.
Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Political editor Jane Patterson was there and filed this report.
