Navigation for News Categories
The House headlines with summaries.
-
What it's like to be leader of the opposition
15 Sep 2024One vestige of the pre-MMP era is the term 'leader of the opposition' - but why does the term still exist, and what does the leader do? Audio
-
The House: What is the government really saying about guns?
12 Sep 2024Even when ministers are trying not to answer questions, they frequently give away a lot of information, writes Phil Smith for The House. Audio
-
Parliament honours Kiingi Tuheitia
11 Sep 2024The House - Parliament met briefly today, and only to offer respects to the late Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII. Audio
-
In pictures: Young delegates take over the House
8 Sep 2024A Queenslander, a Falkland Islander and a Gibraltarian walk into a debating chamber. It's no joke - just the reality at Parliament this week Audio
-
Rising costs and rising seas: Parliament’s climate adaptation inquiry
The Climate Change Commission told members this week that climate adaptation is the “most difficult challenge this country faces over the next century.”
Audio -
Petitioner reveals NZ First's original fast track bill, with hidden projects
30 Aug 2024Petitions often touch on very human stories, or on tricky philosophical issues. This week, one threw explosive new information into an already contentious debate.
Audio -
Stop the questions: a coach steps in to end the fight
27 Aug 2024Parliament's Question Time is a slow-moving boxing match with many rounds. This week one boxer's second stepped into the ring to help. They didn't throw in the towel, but they did try to stop the…
Audio -
From Beehive to Bluegrass: Kiwi MPs head stateside
25 Aug 2024The House hears from two MPs, usually foes, who have spent a week together stateside, like a political odd couple.
-
How not to answer a question, and other lessons from Parliament
24 Aug 2024A dispute during Question Time this week was packed with lessons on asking questions in Parliament, and especially how not to answer them.
Audio -
Water, coastlines, and corrections: Parliament’s committee stage this week
21 Aug 2024It's not uncommon for a Committee of the Whole House to need several sittings to consider a bill. With three government bills under consideration by the Committee this week, most of Parliament's…
Audio -
Kumbayah, now take that!
The House began a new sitting block sharing a little love over the Paris Olympics results, but the sudden outbreak of amity didn't last.
Audio -
Being Māori at Parliament
18 Aug 2024New Zealand’s Parliament House is a strikingly colonial edifice. So how does it feel to be Māori in that space?
-
Taking their word for it: Lying and MPs
11 Aug 2024Few people think MPs never lie, so why are they seldom punished? We investigate Parliament’s rules on mistakes, fibs, and perfidious calumny.
Audio -
Water cooler chat: Parliament’s General Debate
8 Aug 2024From birthday messages, to lamenting New Zealand cultural icons, the General Debate enables MPs to climb onto the soapbox and yarn about whatever's on their mind.
Audio -
Let your vocal chords do the walking
7 Aug 2024The censure of an MP this week came with a message about how to handle provocation - keep it vocal.
Audio -
What on earth is that noise: Parliament's bell keepers.
6 Aug 2024Behind many MP interviews is an incessant ringing. It’s like parliament itself has tinnitus, or is trying to drown out its inhabitants. What is that noise?
Audio -
National tries for message discipline, ACT not so much
4 Aug 2024This week in Parliament the Government's coalition partner antics upended National’s plans and illustrated how not to create message discipline.
Audio -
Like a student flat, parliament runs on rosters
1 Aug 2024Like an uncooperative student flat Parliament relies on rosters to organise who gets to speak when. Lots of rosters. And like that flat it probably stops squabbles.
Audio -
MPs get primetime with state owned media
The Social Services and Community Committee has been told by state owned media this week that despite fears and perceptions, they’re still alive and well.
Audio -
Going back on wards, aiming at gangs
30 Jul 2024The House looks at two of the major bills this week: one walking back law on Maori wards, and one seeking new ways to show 'tough on gangs'.
Audio -
MPs on the Abuse in Care report
28 Jul 2024The moment the Abuse in Care Report was tabled in Parliament MPs began debating what it means and how to respond.
Audio -
‘Stripping is not exploitative, theft is’, strippers tell MPs
25 Jul 2024An adult entertainment activism group who are dancing through Parliament's petition process discuss issues, solutions and the experience of political engagement.
Audio -
Turn up, stand up: Learning from MP’s mistakes
24 Jul 2024An embarrassing kerfuffle in Parliament's debating chamber on Wednesday provided fun lessons on how the House works; or at least, how it is meant to work.
Audio -
Māori Wards Bill back in the House
24 Jul 2024After receiving over 10,000 submissions in just five days, legislation relating to Māori wards returned from committee this week.
Audio
Top News stories
- Budget 2025 at a glance: The big changes, winners and losers
- Ryan Brown jailed after 'unprecedented' attack on judge in Wellington courtroom
- Budget 2025: What will KiwiSaver changes mean for your balance?
- Napier fisherman plans to skirt round beach barriers: ‘We pay a s***load of rates’
- Tougher benefit rules for young people trigger mixed responses
Subscribe
Get the top 8 headlines each day at 8am with our daily email newsletter.