The political summer is now well and truly over.
MPs have been meeting in their Select Committees for a couple of weeks already but this week they are back on the battle ground that is the Debating Chamber of New Zealand's House of Representatives.
Today was the first Question Time of the year and the beginning of debate.
Labour MP Naisi Chen gives her maiden speech to the House Photo: VNP / Daniela Maoate-Cox
Much of the debating time though is still being taken up with the Address in Reply Debate (which started last year in response to the Governor General's Speech from the Throne). This year that debate replaces the more usual opening debate on the Prime Minister's Statement.
This debate also allows all the new MPs to deliver maiden speeches. There are thirteen maiden speeches this week which will polish off the new MPs from every party except National (who are next week).
Maiden speeches are not usually very partisan.
The House asked the Leader of the House for a rundown of the week's highlights. You can listen to the interview above.
