The House

New Zealand’s long-term economic future may be vitally important, but a debate on the 40 year fiscal future proves fertile ground for short-term politics.

The final report from the inquiry into New Zealand’s Covid-19 pandemic response has been released. With an election approaching, MPs quickly the findings into a political football – defending their record or criticising the former government.

The House Sunday Edition combines two stories from Parliament's week. First, advice on convincing a select committee to amend a bill. Then, MPs on better infrastructure planning with less politics.

The House reviews the special debate on the National Infrastructure Plan, when most MPs agreed they ought to remove politics from decisions, and couldn't help but be political.

The integrity of New Zealand’s public service was under the microscope at Parliament today as the Governance and Administration select committee heard from the Public Service Commission regarding their long term insight briefing.

Select Committees are everyone’s best chance to stop the impacts of bad law. We have tips to help maximise your chances, with examples from hearings on the Arms Bill.

MPs Ayesha Verrall and Ricardo Menéndez March outline Parliament’s lesser known written version of Question Time, and compare it to its louder, less forthcoming, cousin.

Following the retirement of former Speaker Adrian Rurawhe, Parliament has a new MP in, Labour's Georgie Dansey, a former teacher, and unionist based in Hamilton. She delivered her maiden speech on Wednesday this week.

Parliament's newest MP Georgie Dansey gave her maiden statement this week, wasting no time in getting stuck into her role as a member of the opposition.

Parliament is considering a law that changes what was legal in the past. Retrospective law-making is allowed, but rare and controversial.

Parliament’s year begins with a very long debate. We review the event and sample a few of the best speakers.

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.