You’ve seen the debating chamber at Parliament on TV, you might be aware of a second one (our defunct Upper House); perhaps you know of a third (the emergency back-up chamber).
But wait there’s more...
There are actually four debating chambers at Parliament. Four. And the most exciting, punchy debates happen in the fourth chamber, the one you’ve never heard of.
In the fourth chamber they consider some pretty radical laws. Recently the question debated was whether to ban the use of pineapple on pizza. Can you hear the cheering in Naples from where you are?
Prime Minister Ava with her front bench of Mapua MPs Photo: VNP / Daniela Maoate-Cox
But this isn’t some conspiracy or secret government. It’s where students visiting Parliament become prime minister for the day. Or deputy PM, Speaker, or Leader of the Opposition.
It’s an educational thing, though it looks like far too much fun to be described like that.
Sometimes the temporary MPs are university students, sometimes from secondary or primary school, or business. Anyone wanting education is welcome. Sometimes they’re new refugees getting a hands-on insight into their new home's system of government.
Recently the students visiting Parliament were year eight students from Mapua School outside Nelson. They were kind enough to allow the House to come along and learn alongside them.
Parliamentary educator Ben Logan-Milne sits on the Mapua School opposition benches, where he has been coaching interjecting. Photo: VNP / Daniela Maoate-Cox
Parliament's Education Centre is a suite in the base of the Beehive. It's little known but smack in the middle of the action; right next to the theatrette where the Prime Minister gives her weekly post-cabinet press conference, and across the hall from a TV studio used by the press gallery.
And it really is a fourth chamber, with green House carpet and government and opposition benches facing off across the table, just like in the main chamber. There's even an ornate chair for the Speaker, and a replica of the golden mace.
Because there is a dress code for the House there is a costume room at the education centre - where MPs can get suitably attired. The male Mapua MPs demonstrated a new approach to using ties as head-wear that should definitely be considered during the upcoming review of standing orders.
The Mapua Parliament's Speaker, Micah at home in the Speaker's Chair. Photo: VNP / Daniela Maoate-Cox
It’s amazing how getting in costume gets the political and oratorical juices flowing. Before you can say “unparliamentary language” there’s a robust debate underway. The students have even been schooled in how to interject (that will come in handy back in the classroom).
But Speaker Micah had a firm grasp over the chaos and the only MP ejected was a visiting Mapua teacher.
For the record, in a conscience vote and by a large majority, the use of pineapple on pizza was not banned. Soggy pizzas from the 1970s are still safe to roam the streets causing nightmares for decent law-abiding Neapolitans.
The Mapua Parliament's Sergeant-at-Arms leads Speaker Micah from the chamber Photo: VNP / Daniela Maoate-Cox
Voting underway at the Mapua School Parliament Photo: VNP / Daniela Maoate-Cox
Rosette for the Generation Z party, part of the Mapua governing coalition Photo: VNP / Daniela Maoate-Cox
Prime Minister Ava calls to speak while still jotting notes for her pro-pineapple clarion call Photo: VNP / Daniela Maoate-Cox
