the speaker

Articles

The House of Representatives

  • The House of Representatives

    New Zealand's Parliament dates back to 1854, just 14 years after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and the beginning of the European settlement of the country. For most of its history as a nation state, New Zealand has had some form of elected government.

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  • Page 7 - The SpeakerThe Speaker, who is elected by MPs, has a key role in representing the House to the Crown and in presiding over the

Parliament's culture and traditions

  • Parliament's culture and traditions

    Explore Parliament's rich history and its colourful culture and traditions.

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  • Page 5 - Bad languageIn the cut and thrust of Parliament's Debating Chamber, there are rules about what can and cannot be said.

Parliament Buildings

  • Parliament Buildings

    Parliament buildings have been modified, destroyed by fire, half-built and restored; the parliamentary places and spaces have formed an important part of New Zealand's history.

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  • Page 6 - A workplaceMany people call Parliament their workplace, but for MPs and others, the parliamentary complex has not always been the ideal place to spend long
  • Senior minister Joseph Ward is prominent in this photograph of the government benches in the early 1900s. The mace, donated by retired Speaker Clifford in 1866, lies on the Table of the House.