The House

Two bills made strong progress this week against fierce opposition. They aim to end diversity hiring in the public service, and "rebalance" employment relations. The House considers the bills and lopsided debating.

In Parliament's first proper week back the government was still high-speed legislating with an extra sitting. Among the bills was one to "rebalance" employee/employer rights. The debate was quite one-sided.

The Public Service Amendment Bill is back in the House from Select Committee, and has reignited debate on the culture war flashpoint of DEI.

The election is still 270 sleeps away, but inside Parliament the hustings are assembled. Question Time's usefulness diminishes but jibes and insults flourish.

The House sits down with Kevin Hague to unpack what the Chief of Staff role really involves, what it’s like for the former MP to be back in the parliamentary world.

Former Speaker Adrian Rurawhe is calling it quits after a decade in Parliament. Despite wanting to leave quietly, he reluctantly gave his final address to the House on Wednesday this week.

Parliament’s first week was the 2026 election campaign writ small, from departing MPs to the 13-hour long debate over whether the Government should stay in office. The House attempts haruspicy on innards from the party leaders' speeches.

Before launching into the bellicose set piece that is the debate on the Prime Minister's statement, the Parliamentary year began on a more somber note with MPs paying acknowledging recent weather events.