fbpx
Wikipedia

New Zealand House of Representatives

April 29, 2023

The House of Representatives (Māori: Whare o Raro, lit. 'Lower House')[3] is the sole chamber of the New Zealand Parliament. The House passes laws, provides ministers to form Cabinet, and supervises the work of government. It is also responsible for adopting the state's budgets and approving the state's accounts.

New Zealand House of Representatives
53rd Parliament
Type
Type
Leadership
Adrian Rurawhe, Labour
since 24 August 2022
Chris Hipkins, Labour
since 25 January 2023
Christopher Luxon, National
since 30 November 2021
Grant Robertson, Labour
since 1 February 2023
Michael Woodhouse, National
since 19 January 2023
Structure
Political groups
Government (64)
  •   Labour (64)

In co-operation with (10)

Official Opposition (34)

Crossbench (12)

Committees19 select committees
Length of term
Up to 3 years
SalaryNZ$163,961[2]
Elections
Mixed-member proportional representation
First election
14 July – 1 October 1853
Last election
17 October 2020
Next election
14 October 2023
Meeting place
Debating Chamber, Parliament House, Wellington
Website
www.parliament.govt.nz
Rules
Standing Orders of the House of Representatives, 2020 (English)

The House of Representatives is a democratic body consisting of representatives known as members of parliament (MPs). There are normally 120 MPs, though this number can be higher if there is an overhang.[4] Elections take place usually every three years using a mixed-member proportional representation system which combines first-past-the-post elected seats with closed party lists. 72 MPs are elected directly in single-member electoral districts and further seats are filled by list MPs based on each party's share of the party vote. A government may be formed from the party or coalition that has the support of a majority of MPs.[4] If no majority is possible, a minority government can be formed with a confidence and supply arrangement. If a government is unable to maintain the confidence of the House then an early general election can be called.

The House of Representatives was created by the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852 (effective 1853), an Act of the British Parliament, which established a bicameral legislature; however the upper chamber, the Legislative Council, was abolished in 1950.[4] Parliament received full control over all New Zealand affairs in 1947 with the passage of the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act. The debating chamber of the House of Representatives is located inside Parliament House in Wellington, the capital city. Sittings of the House are usually open to the public, but the House may at any time vote to sit in private. Proceedings are also broadcast through Parliament TV, AM Network and Parliament Today.

Constitutional function

See also: Constitution of New Zealand

The New Zealand House of Representatives takes the British House of Commons as its model. The New Zealand Parliament is based, in practice, on the Westminster system (that is, the procedures of the British Parliament).[5] As a democratic institution, the primary role of the House of Representatives is to provide representation for the people and to pass legislation on behalf of the people (see § Passage of legislation).[5]

The House of Representatives also plays an important role in responsible government.[6] The New Zealand Government (that is, the executive), directed by the Cabinet,[7] draws its membership exclusively from the House.[8] A government is formed when a party or coalition can show that it has the "confidence" of the House, meaning the support of a majority of members of parliament. This can involve making agreements among several parties. Some may join a coalition government, while others may stay outside the government but agree to support it on confidence votes. The prime minister (leader of the government) is answerable to, and must maintain the support of, the House of Representatives; thus, whenever the office of prime minister falls vacant, the governor-general appoints the person who is most likely to command the support of the House. If the House of Representatives loses confidence in the Cabinet, and therefore in the government, then it can dissolve the government if a vote of no-confidence is passed.[9]

Members and elections

The House of Representatives normally consists of 120 members, who bear the title "Member of Parliament" (MP). They were previously known as "Members of the House of Representatives" (MHRs) until the passing of the Parliamentary and Executive Titles Act 1907 when New Zealand became a Dominion, and even earlier as "Members of the General Assembly" (MGAs).[10]

All MPs are democratically elected, and usually enter the House following a general election. Once sworn in, MPs normally continue to serve until the next dissolution of parliament and subsequent general election, which must take place at least every three years.[11] Early general elections (sometimes termed "snap elections") are possible at the discretion of the prime minister,[12] especially if a minority government is unable to retain the confidence of the House. Members who change their party allegiance during a term—known as "waka-jumping"—may be expelled from the House.[13] Members may also be expelled in cases of criminal activity or other serious misconduct. Some expulsions have been challenged through the courts.[14] Casual vacancies in electorates are filled through by-elections; if a list member's seat becomes vacant then the next available person on their party's list is appointed to the position. List MPs are free to stand in electorate by-elections and in the case of successful contest their own seat will be filled 'in turn'.[15]

To be an MP a person must be a New Zealand citizen (by birth or naturalisation) at the time of the election and not be disqualified from enrolling to vote; bankruptcy is not grounds for disqualification from office.[16] Party list candidates are always nominated by political parties.

The annual salary of each MP, since July 2021, is $163,961; members may receive additional salaries in right of other offices they hold (for instance, the speaker, whips, and chairpersons of select committees) as recognised by Remuneration Authority determinations.[2]

Current composition

The 53rd New Zealand Parliament is the current sitting of the House. The most recent general election was held on 17 October 2020 (see § Last election results), and the 53rd Parliament first sat on 25 November.[17] It currently consists of 120 members, representing five parliamentary parties.[18] Of these current MPs, 60 (50%) are women—the highest number since women were first allowed to stand for Parliament in 1919.[19][20] The period between the swearing in of Soraya Peke-Mason and Tama Potaka was the first time there had been more women than men as MPs.[21]

Based on British tradition, the longest continuously serving member in the House holds the unofficial title "father (or mother) of the House".[22] The current Father and Mother of the House are Gerry Brownlee and Nanaia Mahuta, respectively, who have both served continuously since 1996.[23] They inherited the title following the departure of former Speaker Trevor Mallard, who had served in the House since 1993.[24]

Number of members

 
Montage of portraits depicting members of the House, the Serjeant-at-Arms, and the Clerk of the House, during the Second Parliament in 1860.

The House started with 37 members in 1854, with numbers progressively increasing to 95 by 1882, before being reduced to 74 in 1891. Numbers slowly increased again to 99 by 1993.[25] In 1996 numbers increased to at least 120 with the introduction of MMP elections (i.e. 120 plus any overhang seats;[26] there has been at least one overhang seat in four of the seven MMP elections held since 1996). The year in which each change in the number of members took effect is shown in the following table.

Year Number of seats
1854 37[27]
1860 41[28]
1861 53[29]
1863 57[30]
1866 70[31]
1868 74[32]
1871 78[33]
1876 88[34]
1882 95[35]
1891 74[36]
1902 80[37]
1970 841
1973 871
1976 922
1984 952
1987 972
1993 992
1996 120 + any overhang seats[38]
Table notes

1 The total number of seats from 1969 to 1975 was calculated by the formula stated in the Electoral Amendment Act 1965: 4M+(PN/(PS/25)) where: 4M = 4 Māori seats; PN = European population of the North Island; PS = European population of the South Island.[39]

2 The total number of seats from 1976 to 1995 was calculated by the formula stated in the Electoral Amendment Act 1975: (PM/(PS/25))+(PN/(PS/25)) where: PM = Māori population; PN = European population of the North Island; PS = European population of the South Island.[40]

Electoral system

Main articles: Electoral system of New Zealand and Voting in New Zealand
 
Example of a House of Representatives ballot paper used in MMP elections

Voting is not compulsory, but voter turnout is high compared to other democratic countries.[41] Universal suffrage exists for those 18 or older; New Zealand citizens and others who are permanently residing in New Zealand are usually eligible to vote.[42] New Zealand was the first self-governing nation to enfranchise women, starting from the 1893 election.[43] There are a few disqualifications; mentally-impaired persons detained in hospital and prisoners sentenced to a term of over three years are ineligible to vote.[44]

Parliamentary elections are conducted by secret ballot—for European New Zealanders since 1871[45][46] and Māori seats since 1938.[46] Almost all general elections between 1853 and 1993 were held under the first-past-the-post voting system,[47] with the exception of the 1908 and 1911 elections, which used a two-round system. Since 1996, a form of proportional representation called mixed-member proportional (MMP) has been used.[48] Under the MMP system each person has two votes; one is for electorate seats (including some reserved for Māori),[49] and the other is for a party. Currently there are 72 electorate seats (which includes seven Māori electorates),[50] and the remaining 48 seats are apportioned (from party lists) so that representation in parliament reflects the party vote, although a party has to win one electorate or 5 percent of the total party vote before it is eligible for these seats.[51] After the introduction of proportional representation, no single party won an outright majority[52] until the 2020 election when Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern led the Labour Party to win 65 of the 120 seats.[53]

Last election results

This section is transcluded from Results of the 2020 New Zealand general election. (edit | history)
Summary of the 17 October 2020 election for the House of Representatives[54]
 
Party Party vote Electorate vote sum Total
seats 		+/-
Votes % Change
(pp) 		Seats Votes % Change
(pp) 		Seats
Labour 1,443,545 50.01  13.12 19 1,357,501 48.07  10.19 46 65  19
National 738,275 25.58  18.87 10 963,845 34.13  9.92 23 33  23
Green 226,757 7.86  1.59 9 162,245 5.74  1.17 1 10  2
ACT 219,031 7.59  7.08 9 97,697 3.46  2.45 1 10  9
NZ First 75,020 2.60  4.60 0 30,209 1.07  4.38 0 0  9
Opportunities (TOP) 43,449 1.51  0.94 0 25,181 0.89  0.14 0 0  
New Conservative 42,613 1.48  1.24 0 49,598 1.76  1.52 0 0  
Māori Party 33,630 1.17  0.01 1 60,837 2.15  0.04 1 2  2
Advance NZ 28,429 0.98 new 0 25,054 0.89 new 0 0 new
Legalise Cannabis 13,329 0.46  0.15 0 8,044 0.28  0.12 0 0  
ONE 8,121 0.28 new 0 6,830 0.24 new 0 0 new
Vision NZ 4,237 0.15 new 0 2,139 0.08 new 0 0 new
Outdoors 3,256 0.11  0.05 0 7,982 0.28  0.23 0 0  
TEA 2,414 0.08 new 0 2,764 0.10 new 0 0 new
Sustainable NZ 1,880 0.07 new 0 2,421 0.09 new 0 0 new
Social Credit 1,520 0.05  0.02 0 2,699 0.11  0.09 0 0  
Heartland 914 0.03 new 0 8,462 0.30 new 0 0 new
Unregistered parties — — — — 3,391 0.12  0.08 0 0  
Independent — — — — 7,299 0.26  0.24 0 0  
Valid votes 2,886,420 98.88  0.34 2,824,198 96.75  0.58
Informal votes 21,372 0.73  0.32 57,138 1.96  0.80
Disallowed votes 11,281 0.39  0.66 37,737 2.66  1.37
Below electoral threshold 225,182 7.71 — — —
Total 2,919,073 100 48 2,919,073 100 72 120
Eligible voters and Turnout 3,549,580 82.24  2.49 3,549,580 82.24  2.49

Officials and officers

See also: Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives and Parliamentary Counsel Office (New Zealand)

The House of Representatives elects one of its members as a presiding officer, known as the speaker of the House,[55] at the beginning of each new parliamentary term, and also whenever a vacancy arises. It is the speaker's role to apply the rules of the House (called the Standing Orders),[56] and oversee procedures and the day-to-day operation of the chamber. The speaker responds to points of order from other members of the House.[7] When presiding, the speaker is obliged to remain impartial.[57] Additionally, since 1992, the House elects a deputy speaker from amongst its members; the deputy may preside when the speaker is absent. Up to two assistants are also appointed from amongst the members of the House.[58]

Several political party-based roles are filled by elected MPs.[59] The prime minister is the leader of the largest government party and leads the government's contribution to major debates in the House. The leader of the Official Opposition is the MP who leads the largest opposition party. The leader of the House is an MP appointed by the prime minister to arrange government business and the legislative programme of Parliament.[59] Whips (called musterers by the Green Party[60]) are organisers and administrators of the MPs in each of the political parties in the House. The whips make sure that members of their caucus are in the House during crucial votes.[59][61]

Officers of the House who are not MPs include the clerk of the House, the deputy clerk, the chief parliamentary counsel (a lawyer who helps to draft bills), and several other junior clerks. These are non-partisan roles.[61] The most senior of these officers is the clerk of the House, who is responsible for several key administrative tasks,[62] such as "advising members on the rules, practices and customs of the House".[59]

Another important officer is the serjeant-at-arms,[59] whose duties include the maintenance of order and security in the precincts of the House. The serjeant-at-arms sits in the debating chamber opposite the speaker at the visitors door for each House sitting session.[63] The serjeant-at-arms is also the custodian of the mace, and bears the mace into and out of the chamber of the House at the beginning and end of each sitting day.[64]

Procedure

 
The mace is carried into Parliament by the Serjeant-at-Arms during the Opening of the 29th Parliament, 1950

The House of Representatives usually sits Tuesday to Thursday when in session.[65] The House meets in a debating chamber located inside Parliament House, Wellington. The layout is similar to the design of the chamber of the British House of Commons.[66] The seats and desks are arranged in rows in a horseshoe pattern.[63] The speaker of the House sits in a raised chair at the open end of the horseshoe, giving him a clear view of proceedings. In front of the chair is a table, on which rests the mace. The House of Representatives cannot lawfully meet without the mace—representing the authority of the speaker—being present in the chamber.[64] (The current mace is a replica of the one in the British House of Commons; it is over 100 years old, having been used since 7 October 1909.[67])

 
Layout of important roles and where they are seated in the Debating Chamber

Various officers—clerks and other officials—sit at the table, ready to advise the speaker on procedure when necessary.[59] Members of the Government occupy the seats on the speaker's right, while members of the Official Opposition sit on the speaker's left. Members are assigned seating on the basis of the seniority in a party caucus; ministers sit around the prime minister, who is traditionally assigned the fourth seat along the front row on the speaker's right.[68] The Opposition leader sits directly across from the prime minister and is surrounded by Opposition spokespersons. A member who is not a minister or spokesperson is referred to as a "backbencher".[7] A backbencher may still be subject to party discipline (called "whipping"). Whips ensure that members of their party attend and vote as the party leadership desires. Government whips are seated behind the prime minister; Opposition whips are normally seated behind the leader of the Opposition.[69] Members from parties that are not openly aligned with either the Government or the Official Opposition are sometimes referred to as "crossbenchers".[70]

Debates and votes

Members have the option of addressing the House in English, Te Reo Māori,[71] or New Zealand Sign Language (with an interpreter provided).[72] Speeches are addressed to the presiding officer, using the words 'Mister Speaker', if a man, or 'Madam Speaker', if a woman.[73] Only the speaker may be directly addressed in debate; other members must be referred to in the third person, either by full name or office.[72] The speaker can "name" a member believed to have broken the rules of conduct of the House; following a vote this will usually result in the expulsion of said member from the chamber.[74]

 
Chamber pictured during a debate by members of the 49th Parliament, 11 June 2011

During debates, members may only speak if called upon by the speaker. No member may speak more than once on the same question (except that the mover of a motion is entitled to make one speech at the beginning of the debate and another at the end). The Standing Orders of the House of Representatives prescribe time limits for speeches.[75] The limits depend on the nature of the motion, but are most commonly between ten and twenty minutes. However, under certain circumstances, the prime minister and other party leaders are entitled to make longer speeches. Debate may be further restricted by the passage of "time allocation" motions. Alternatively, the House may end debate more quickly by passing a motion for "closure".[75]

A vote is held to resolve a question when it is put to the House of Representatives. The House first votes by voice vote; the speaker or deputy speaker puts the question, and MPs respond either "Aye" (in favour of the motion) or "No" (against the motion).[61] The presiding officer then announces the result of the voice vote, but if his assessment is challenged by any Member, a recorded vote known as a division follows. There are two methods of handling a division: party vote is used for most votes, but personal vote is used for conscience issues. In the party vote method, the clerk of the House reads out each party's name in turn. A member of the party (usually a whip) will respond to their party's name by stating how many members of the party are in favour and how many members are opposed. The clerk tallies up the votes and gives the results to the speaker, who announces the result. If the members of a party are not unanimous, a list of the members of the party and how they voted must be tabled after the vote.[76] In the personal vote method, MPs enter one of two lobbies (the "Aye" lobby or the "No" lobby) on either side of the chamber. At each lobby are two tellers (themselves MPs) who count the votes of the MPs. Once the division concludes, the tellers provide the results to the speaker, who then announces the result. In case of a tie, the motion lapses.[75]

 
A parliament publicity photograph from 1966. The Prime Minister, Keith Holyoake, addresses the House.

Every sitting day a period of time is set aside for questions to be asked of ministers and select committee chairs.[6][77] Questions to a minister must related to their official ministerial activities, not about activities as a party leader. There are 12 questions, which are distributed proportionately among the parties.[6] In addition to questions asked orally during question time, members may also make inquiries in writing. Written questions are submitted to the clerk, either on paper or electronically, and answers are recorded in Parliamentary Debates (Hansard).[6]

Passage of legislation

Most parliamentary business is about making new laws and amending old laws. The House examines and amends bills—the title given to a proposed piece of legislation while under consideration by the House—in several formal stages.[78] The term for these stages is "reading", which originates from the practice in the British Parliament where bills were literally read aloud in the chamber. In New Zealand only a bill's title is read aloud. Once a bill has passed through all its parliamentary stages it is enacted and becomes an Act of Parliament,[79] forming part of New Zealand's law.

Bills become Acts after being approved three times by House votes and then receiving the Royal Assent from the governor-general. The majority of bills are proposed by the government of the day (that is, the party or coalition parties that command a majority in the House) to implement its policies. These policies may relate to the raising of revenue through taxation bills or the expenditure of money through appropriation bills (including those bills giving effect to the budget).[80] It is rare for government bills to be defeated—indeed the first to be defeated in the twentieth century was in 1998, when the Local Government Amendment Bill (No 5) was defeated on its second reading.[81]

Individual MPs who are not ministers may propose their own bills, called members' bills—these are usually put forward by opposition parties, or by MPs who wish to deal with a matter that parties do not take positions on. Local government and private individuals may also propose legislation to be introduced by an MP.[82]

Proxy voting is allowed, in which members may designate a party or another member to vote on their behalf. An excuse is required.[75]

First reading

The first stage of the process is the first reading.[83] The member introducing the bill (often a minister) will give a detailed speech on the bill as a whole. Debate on the bill last about two hours for government bills and one hour for other members' bills,[84] with 12 MPs making ten-minute speeches on the bill's general principles.[85] Speaking slots are allocated based on the size of each party, with different parties using different methods to distribute their slots among their members.[75]

The member introducing the bill will generally make a recommendation that the bill be considered by an appropriate select committee (see § Committees). Sometimes, it will be recommended that a special committee be formed, usually when the bill is particularly important or controversial. The House then votes as to whether the bill should be sent to the committee for deliberation. It is not uncommon for a bill to be voted to the select committee stage even by parties which do not support it—since select committees can recommend amendments to bills, parties will often not make a final decision on whether to back a bill until the second reading.[86]

Prior to the first reading, the attorney-general will check the bill is consistent with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990. If the bill or part of it is not consistent, the attorney-general will present a report to the House, known as a Section 7 report, highlighting the inconsistencies.[87]

Select committee stage

The select committee will scrutinise the bill, going over it in more detail than can be achieved by the whole membership of the House. The public can also make submissions to select committees, offering support, criticism, or merely comments.[88] Written submissions from the public to the committee are normally due two months after the bill's first reading. Submitters can opt to also give an oral submission, which are heard by the committee in Wellington, and numbers permitting, Auckland and Christchurch. The select committee stage is seen as increasingly important today—in the past, the governing party generally dominated select committees, making the process something of a rubber stamp, but in the multi-party environment there is significant scope for real debate. Select committees frequently recommend changes to bills, with prompts for change coming from the MPs sitting in the committee, officials who advise the committee, and members of the public. When a majority of the committee is satisfied with the bill, the committee will report back to the House on it. Unless Parliament grants an extension, the time limit for select committee deliberations is six months or whatever deadline was set by the House when the bill was referred.[89]

Second reading

The second reading, like the first, generally consists of a two-hour debate in which MPs make ten-minute speeches. Again, speaking slots are allocated to parties based on their size. In theory, speeches should relate to the principles and objects of the bill, and also to the consideration and recommendations of the select committee and issues raised in public submissions. Parties will usually have made their final decision on a bill after the select committee stage, and will make their views clear during the second reading debates. At the conclusion of debate, the House votes on whether to accept any amendments recommended by the select committee by majority (unanimous amendments are not subjected to this extra hurdle).[84]

The Government (usually through the minister of finance) has the power (given by the House's Standing Orders) to veto any proposed legislation that would have a major impact on the Government's budget and expenditure plans.[90] This veto can be invoked at any stage of the process, but if applied to a bill as a whole will most likely be employed at the second-reading stage. Since the financial veto certificate was introduced in 1996, the Government has exercised it only once in respect of an entire bill, in 2016,[90] although many amendments have been vetoed at the committee of the whole House stage.

If a bill receives its second reading, it goes on to be considered by a committee of the whole House.[75]

Committee of the whole House

When a bill reaches the committee of the whole House stage, the House resolves itself "into committee", that is, it forms a committee consisting of all MPs (as distinct from a select committee, which consists only of a few members). When the House is "in committee", it is able to operate in a slightly less formal way than usual.[75]

During a committee of the whole House, a bill is debated in detail, usually "part by part" (a "part" is a grouping of clauses). MPs may make five-minute speeches on a particular part or provision of the bill and may propose further amendments, but theoretically should not make general speeches on the bill's overall goals or principles (that should have occurred at the second reading).

Sometimes a member may advertise the proposed amendments beforehand by having them printed on a Supplementary Order Paper;[91] this is common for amendments proposed by government ministers. Some Supplementary Order Papers are very extensive, and, if agreed to, can result in major amendments to bills. On rare occasions, Supplementary Order Papers are referred to select committees for comment.[citation needed]

The extent to which a bill changes during this process varies. If the select committee that considered the bill did not have a government majority and made significant alterations, the Government may make significant "corrective" amendments. There is some criticism that bills may be amended to incorporate significant policy changes without the benefit of select committee scrutiny or public submissions, or even that such major changes can be made with little or no notice.[citation needed] However, under the MMP system when the Government is less likely to have an absolute majority, any amendments will usually need to be negotiated with other parties to obtain majority support.

The Opposition may also put forward wrecking amendments.[92] These amendments are often just symbolic of their contrasting policy position, or simply intended to delay the passage of the bill through the sheer quantity of amendments for the committee of the whole House to vote on.

Third reading

The final reading takes the same format as the first and second readings—a two-hour debate with MPs making ten-minute speeches.[85] The speeches once again refer to the bill in general terms, and represent the final chance for debate. A final vote is taken. If a bill passes its third reading, it is passed on to the governor-general, who will (assuming constitutional conventions are followed) give it Royal Assent as a matter of law. The title is changed from a bill to an Act, and it becomes law.[93]

Committees

Main article: New Zealand House of Representatives committees
 
A select committee hearing in action during the 49th Parliament

In addition to the work of the main chamber, the House of Representatives also has a large number of committees, established in order to deal with particular areas or issues.[94] There are 12 subject select committees, which scrutinise and amend bills.[95] They can call for submissions from the public,[96] thereby meaning that there is a degree of public consultation before a parliamentary bill proceeds into law. The strengthening of the committee system was in response to concerns that legislation was being forced through, without receiving due examination and revision.[97]

Each committee has between six and twelve members—including a chairperson and deputy chairperson[98]—with parties broadly represented in proportion to party membership in the House.[94] MPs may be members of more than one committee. Membership of committees is determined by the Business Specialist Committee, which is chaired by the speaker.[99]

Occasionally a special committee will be created on a temporary basis; an example was the Select Committee established to study the foreshore and seabed bill.

New Zealand Youth Parliament

Main article: New Zealand Youth Parliament

Once in every term of Parliament a New Zealand Youth Parliament is held. This major national event is open to 16- to 18-year-olds who are appointed by individual MPs to represent them in their role for a few days in Wellington. The Youth MPs spend time debating a mock bill in the House and in select committees, and asking questions of Cabinet ministers. The previous New Zealand Youth Parliament was held in July 2019.[100]

Accredited news organisations

The following list is of news agencies which are accredited members of the New Zealand House of Representatives press gallery.[101]

Lists of members

See also

Notes

  1. ^ The Green Party co-operates with the governing Labour Party, "while not committing to a more formal coalition or confidence and supply arrangement".[1]

References

Citations

  1. ^ "Greens officially sign on to join Government with Labour". 1 November 2020. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
  2. ^ a b "Parliamentary Salaries and Allowances Determination (No 2) 2020 (LI 2020/327) (as at 15 July 2021) Schedule 1 Salaries payable under section 8 of Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Services) Act 2013 for periods specified in clause 5(1)". www.legislation.govt.nz. Parliamentary Counsel Office. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  3. ^ "Whare o Raro - Te Aka Māori Dictionary". maoridictionary.co.nz. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  4. ^ a b c "How Parliament works: What is Parliament?". New Zealand Parliament. 28 June 2010. Retrieved 31 May 2014.
  5. ^ a b "Parliament Brief: What is Parliament?". New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 19 December 2016.
  6. ^ a b c d Martin, John E. (1 February 2015). "Parliament - The business of government". Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 9 March 2022.
  7. ^ a b c "Glossary of terms". New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 13 May 2017.
  8. ^ "Parliament Brief: Government Accountability to the House". New Zealand Parliament. 21 March 2014. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
  9. ^ "Parties and Government". New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  10. ^ Scholefield 1950, p. 91.
  11. ^ "Parliament in Election Year". New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  12. ^ "Muldoon calls snap election". New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  13. ^ McCulloch, Craig (27 September 2018). "Waka-jumping bill passes into law after heated debate". RNZ. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
  14. ^ Taylor, Kevin (19 November 2004). "Awatere facing expulsion from Parliament after court decision". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
  15. ^ "List MPs standing in by-elections" (PDF). MMPReview.org.nz. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
  16. ^ "Part 1: Nomination of Candidates". Electoral Commission New Zealand. 11 May 2018. Retrieved 24 February 2019.
  17. ^ "Opening of the 53rd Parliament". www.parliament.nz. New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  18. ^ "Members of Parliament". www.parliament.nz. New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  19. ^ "Women members of the New Zealand Parliament, 1933 onwards". www.parliament.nz. New Zealand Parliament. 9 November 2020. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  20. ^ "Election 2020: 'Historical high' - New Zealand Parliament readies for more diversity". RNZ. 19 October 2020. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  21. ^ Whyte, Anna (25 October 2022). "Women outnumber men in Parliament for first time, as new MP Soraya Peke-Mason sworn in". Stuff. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
  22. ^ Wilson 1985, p. 194.
  23. ^ "Members of Parliament - Longest, shortest, oldest, youngest". www.parliament.nz. New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
  24. ^ Nielson, Michael (20 October 2022). "Former Speaker and Labour MP Trevor Mallard delivers final speech in the House". NZ Herald. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
  25. ^ "Size of the House of Representatives: 120 or 99 MPs?". New Zealand Parliamentary Library. 5 October 1999. p. 1. Retrieved 13 June 2018.
  26. ^ "Overhang" (PDF). MMPReview.org.nz. Electoral Commission New Zealand.
  27. ^ Proclamation from Government Gazette of 10 March 1853, New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, 12 March 1853, page 3
  28. ^ Electoral Districts Act 1858
  29. ^ Representation Act 1860
  30. ^ Representation Act 1862
  31. ^ Representation Act 1865
  32. ^ Maori Representation Act 1867
  33. ^ Representation Act 1870
  34. ^ Representation Act 1875
  35. ^ Representation Act 1881
  36. ^ Representation Acts Amendment Act 1887
  37. ^ Representation Act 1900
  38. ^ Electoral Act 1993
  39. ^ Electoral Amendment Act 1965
  40. ^ Electoral Amendment Act 1975
  41. ^ "New Zealand". OECD Better Life Index. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Retrieved 5 March 2022. Voter turnout ... was 82% during recent elections, higher than the OECD average of 69%.
  42. ^ "Who can and can't enrol?". Electoral Commission New Zealand. 1 August 2016. Retrieved 14 December 2018. …you are 18 years or older; [and] you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident; [and] you have lived in New Zealand for one year or more continuously at some point.
  43. ^ Else, Anne; ed. (1993). Women Together A History of Women's Organizations in New Zealand. Wellington: Daphne Brasell.
  44. ^ "Electoral Act 1993 No 87 (as at 28 October 2021), Public Act". www.legislation.govt.nz. Parliamentary Counsel Office. 80 Disqualifications for registration.
  45. ^ "The Secret Ballot". Electoral Commission New Zealand. 15 February 2013. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  46. ^ a b "Change in the 20th century". New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage. 12 July 2016. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  47. ^ "First past the post – the road to MMP". New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage. 13 January 2016. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  48. ^ "New Zealand's Change to MMP". aceproject.org. ACE Electoral Knowledge Network. Retrieved 24 June 2017.
  49. ^ . Electoral Commission New Zealand. 8 May 2005. Archived from the original on 9 November 2011. Retrieved 23 January 2012.
  50. ^ "Number of electorates and electoral populations: 2018 Census". www.stats.govt.nz. Statistics New Zealand. 23 September 2019. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  51. ^ . Electoral Commission. 4 February 2013. Archived from the original on 14 September 2013. Retrieved 31 May 2014.
  52. ^ "Kiwi PM Jacinda Ardern will be world's youngest female leader". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. 20 October 2017. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  53. ^ "New Zealand election: Jacinda Ardern's Labour Party scores landslide win". BBC News. 17 October 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  54. ^ "2020 GENERAL ELECTION - OFFICIAL RESULTS AND STATISTICS". ElectionResults.govt.nz. Electoral Commission. 30 November 2020.
  55. ^ "Office of the Speaker". New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 19 December 2016.
  56. ^ "Rules of the House". New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 13 May 2017.
  57. ^ "The Speaker in history". New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  58. ^ "Supporting the Speaker". New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 13 May 2017.
  59. ^ a b c d e f . New Zealand Parliament. Archived from the original on 1 November 2017. Retrieved 13 May 2017.
  60. ^ "The Musterer Replaces Whips in the Green Party | Scoop News". Scoop.co.nz. 14 December 1999. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
  61. ^ a b c Martin, John E. (1 February 2015). "Parliament – How Parliament works". Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 14 May 2017.
  62. ^ Smith, Phil (15 May 2022). "Oiling the democratic machine". RNZ. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  63. ^ a b "Where MPs sit in the House". New Zealand Parliament. 22 October 2014. Retrieved 20 December 2016.
  64. ^ a b "What is the significance of the mace?". New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 13 May 2017.
  65. ^ "Chapter 2: Sittings of the House". Standing Orders. New Zealand Parliament. 23 October 2020. 46. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  66. ^ "How Parliament works". New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 13 May 2017.
  67. ^ "Parliament's mace is 100 years old -". New Zealand Parliament. 12 October 2009. Retrieved 24 February 2019.
  68. ^ "People of Parliament". New Zealand Parliament. 29 June 2017. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
  69. ^ "What is a party whip and what do they do?". New Zealand Parliament. 27 June 2013. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  70. ^ "New Zealand prepares to vote after 'strangest, dirtiest' election campaign". The Guardian. 18 September 2014.
  71. ^ "Parliament in te reo". New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 13 May 2017.
  72. ^ a b "Chapter 16 Debate". New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
  73. ^ Parliamentary Debates, vol. 329, New Zealand Parliament, retrieved 7 March 2018
  74. ^ "Naming and Suspension of Member". New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 13 May 2017.
  75. ^ a b c d e f g "Chapter 3: General procedures". Standing Orders. New Zealand Parliament. 23 October 2020. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  76. ^ "Voting in the House of Representatives". New Zealand Parliament. 6 November 2009. Retrieved 30 August 2012.
  77. ^ "Question time in the House". New Zealand Parliament. 16 October 2012. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  78. ^ "Chapter 7 Parties and Government". www.parliament.nz. New Zealand Parliament. 14 October 2010. Retrieved 23 November 2017.
  79. ^ "How a bill becomes law". www.parliament.nz. New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  80. ^ "Guide to the Budget process". treasury.govt.nz. New Zealand Treasury. 17 May 2018. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  81. ^ . Archived from the original on 15 January 2012. Retrieved 9 February 2012.
  82. ^ "Private bills and local bills". New Zealand Parliament. 28 November 2011.
  83. ^ "Chapter 5: Legislative procedures". Standing Orders. New Zealand Parliament. 23 October 2020. 293. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  84. ^ a b "Parliament Brief: The legislative process". www.parliament.nz. New Zealand Parliament. 25 May 2020. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  85. ^ a b "Appendix A: Time limits for speeches and debates". Standing Orders. New Zealand Parliament. 23 October 2020. 293. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  86. ^ Mcleay, Elizabeth (Spring 2001). "Parliamentary Committees in New Zealand: A house continuously reforming itself?". Australasian Parliamentary Review. 16 (2): 121–139. ISSN 1447-9125. S2CID 151012561. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  87. ^ "New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 | The Legislation Design and Advisory Committee". New Zealand Legislation Design and Advisory Committee. Retrieved 13 May 2017.
  88. ^ "Presenting a submission to a Select Committee" (PDF). myd.govt.nz. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  89. ^ "Chapter 5: Legislative procedures". Standing Orders. New Zealand Parliament. 23 October 2020. 295 Time for Report. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  90. ^ a b "Financial Veto certificates explained". New Zealand Parliament. 29 June 2016. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
  91. ^ "New Zealand Supplementary Order Papers". www.nzlii.org. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  92. ^ "Motions and Amendments". New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 20 December 2018.
  93. ^ "The Royal Assent". New Zealand Parliament. 3 December 2009. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
  94. ^ a b "About select committees". New Zealand Parliament. 17 October 2017. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  95. ^ "List of select committees". New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
  96. ^ "Submissions and Advice". New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  97. ^ Ganley, Marcus. "Select Committees and their Role in Keeping Parliament Relevant: Do New Zealand select committees make a difference?" (PDF). Department of Political Studies, University of Western Australia. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  98. ^ "Chapter 4: Select Committees". Standing Orders. New Zealand Parliament. 2017. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  99. ^ "Business". New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
  100. ^ . Archived from the original on 22 May 2010. Retrieved 25 March 2010.
  101. ^ . Archived from the original on 9 February 2007. Retrieved 26 April 2013.

Sources

  • McGee, David G. (2005). Parliamentary practice in New Zealand (3rd ed.). Wellington: Dunmore Pub. ISBN 9781877399060.
  • Scholefield, Guy (1950) [First ed. published 1913]. New Zealand Parliamentary Record, 1840–1949 (3rd ed.). Wellington: Govt. Printer.
  • Wilson, James Oakley (1985) [First published in 1913]. New Zealand Parliamentary Record, 1840–1984 (4th ed.). Wellington: V.R. Ward, Govt. Printer. OCLC 154283103.

External links

  • parliament.nz – New Zealand Parliament official site
  • List of select committees – New Zealand Parliament
  • Digitised reports from selected volumes of the Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives

April 29, 2023
zealand, house, representatives, house, representatives, māori, whare, raro, lower, house, sole, chamber, zealand, parliament, house, passes, laws, provides, ministers, form, cabinet, supervises, work, government, also, responsible, adopting, state, budgets, a. The House of Representatives Maori Whare o Raro lit Lower House 3 is the sole chamber of the New Zealand Parliament The House passes laws provides ministers to form Cabinet and supervises the work of government It is also responsible for adopting the state s budgets and approving the state s accounts New Zealand House of Representatives53rd ParliamentTypeTypeUnicameral chamber of the New Zealand ParliamentLeadershipSpeaker of the HouseAdrian Rurawhe Labour since 24 August 2022Prime MinisterChris Hipkins Labour since 25 January 2023Leader of the OppositionChristopher Luxon National since 30 November 2021Leader of the HouseGrant Robertson Labour since 1 February 2023Shadow Leader of the HouseMichael Woodhouse National since 19 January 2023StructurePolitical groupsGovernment 64 Labour 64 In co operation with 10 Green 10 note 1 Official Opposition 34 National 34 Crossbench 12 ACT 10 Maori 2 Committees19 select committeesLength of termUp to 3 yearsSalaryNZ 163 961 2 ElectionsVoting systemMixed member proportional representationFirst election14 July 1 October 1853Last election17 October 2020Next election14 October 2023Meeting placeDebating Chamber Parliament House WellingtonWebsitewww wbr parliament wbr govt wbr nzRulesStanding Orders of the House of Representatives 2020 English The House of Representatives is a democratic body consisting of representatives known as members of parliament MPs There are normally 120 MPs though this number can be higher if there is an overhang 4 Elections take place usually every three years using a mixed member proportional representation system which combines first past the post elected seats with closed party lists 72 MPs are elected directly in single member electoral districts and further seats are filled by list MPs based on each party s share of the party vote A government may be formed from the party or coalition that has the support of a majority of MPs 4 If no majority is possible a minority government can be formed with a confidence and supply arrangement If a government is unable to maintain the confidence of the House then an early general election can be called The House of Representatives was created by the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852 effective 1853 an Act of the British Parliament which established a bicameral legislature however the upper chamber the Legislative Council was abolished in 1950 4 Parliament received full control over all New Zealand affairs in 1947 with the passage of the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act The debating chamber of the House of Representatives is located inside Parliament House in Wellington the capital city Sittings of the House are usually open to the public but the House may at any time vote to sit in private Proceedings are also broadcast through Parliament TV AM Network and Parliament Today Contents 1 Constitutional function 2 Members and elections 2 1 Current composition 2 2 Number of members 2 3 Electoral system 2 3 1 Last election results 3 Officials and officers 4 Procedure 4 1 Debates and votes 5 Passage of legislation 5 1 First reading 5 2 Select committee stage 5 3 Second reading 5 4 Committee of the whole House 5 5 Third reading 6 Committees 7 New Zealand Youth Parliament 8 Accredited news organisations 9 Lists of members 10 See also 11 Notes 12 References 12 1 Citations 12 2 Sources 13 External linksConstitutional function EditSee also Constitution of New Zealand The New Zealand House of Representatives takes the British House of Commons as its model The New Zealand Parliament is based in practice on the Westminster system that is the procedures of the British Parliament 5 As a democratic institution the primary role of the House of Representatives is to provide representation for the people and to pass legislation on behalf of the people see Passage of legislation 5 The House of Representatives also plays an important role in responsible government 6 The New Zealand Government that is the executive directed by the Cabinet 7 draws its membership exclusively from the House 8 A government is formed when a party or coalition can show that it has the confidence of the House meaning the support of a majority of members of parliament This can involve making agreements among several parties Some may join a coalition government while others may stay outside the government but agree to support it on confidence votes The prime minister leader of the government is answerable to and must maintain the support of the House of Representatives thus whenever the office of prime minister falls vacant the governor general appoints the person who is most likely to command the support of the House If the House of Representatives loses confidence in the Cabinet and therefore in the government then it can dissolve the government if a vote of no confidence is passed 9 Members and elections EditThe House of Representatives normally consists of 120 members who bear the title Member of Parliament MP They were previously known as Members of the House of Representatives MHRs until the passing of the Parliamentary and Executive Titles Act 1907 when New Zealand became a Dominion and even earlier as Members of the General Assembly MGAs 10 All MPs are democratically elected and usually enter the House following a general election Once sworn in MPs normally continue to serve until the next dissolution of parliament and subsequent general election which must take place at least every three years 11 Early general elections sometimes termed snap elections are possible at the discretion of the prime minister 12 especially if a minority government is unable to retain the confidence of the House Members who change their party allegiance during a term known as waka jumping may be expelled from the House 13 Members may also be expelled in cases of criminal activity or other serious misconduct Some expulsions have been challenged through the courts 14 Casual vacancies in electorates are filled through by elections if a list member s seat becomes vacant then the next available person on their party s list is appointed to the position List MPs are free to stand in electorate by elections and in the case of successful contest their own seat will be filled in turn 15 To be an MP a person must be a New Zealand citizen by birth or naturalisation at the time of the election and not be disqualified from enrolling to vote bankruptcy is not grounds for disqualification from office 16 Party list candidates are always nominated by political parties The annual salary of each MP since July 2021 update is 163 961 members may receive additional salaries in right of other offices they hold for instance the speaker whips and chairpersons of select committees as recognised by Remuneration Authority determinations 2 Current composition Edit The 53rd New Zealand Parliament is the current sitting of the House The most recent general election was held on 17 October 2020 see Last election results and the 53rd Parliament first sat on 25 November 17 It currently consists of 120 members representing five parliamentary parties 18 Of these current MPs 60 50 are women the highest number since women were first allowed to stand for Parliament in 1919 19 20 The period between the swearing in of Soraya Peke Mason and Tama Potaka was the first time there had been more women than men as MPs 21 Based on British tradition the longest continuously serving member in the House holds the unofficial title father or mother of the House 22 The current Father and Mother of the House are Gerry Brownlee and Nanaia Mahuta respectively who have both served continuously since 1996 23 They inherited the title following the departure of former Speaker Trevor Mallard who had served in the House since 1993 24 Number of members Edit Montage of portraits depicting members of the House the Serjeant at Arms and the Clerk of the House during the Second Parliament in 1860 The House started with 37 members in 1854 with numbers progressively increasing to 95 by 1882 before being reduced to 74 in 1891 Numbers slowly increased again to 99 by 1993 25 In 1996 numbers increased to at least 120 with the introduction of MMP elections i e 120 plus any overhang seats 26 there has been at least one overhang seat in four of the seven MMP elections held since 1996 The year in which each change in the number of members took effect is shown in the following table Year Number of seats1854 37 27 1860 41 28 1861 53 29 1863 57 30 1866 70 31 1868 74 32 1871 78 33 1876 88 34 1882 95 35 1891 74 36 1902 80 37 1970 8411973 8711976 9221984 9521987 9721993 9921996 120 any overhang seats 38 Table notes 1 The total number of seats from 1969 to 1975 was calculated by the formula stated in the Electoral Amendment Act 1965 4M PN PS 25 where 4M 4 Maori seats PN European population of the North Island PS European population of the South Island 39 2 The total number of seats from 1976 to 1995 was calculated by the formula stated in the Electoral Amendment Act 1975 PM PS 25 PN PS 25 where PM Maori population PN European population of the North Island PS European population of the South Island 40 Electoral system Edit Main articles Electoral system of New Zealand and Voting in New Zealand Example of a House of Representatives ballot paper used in MMP elections Voting is not compulsory but voter turnout is high compared to other democratic countries 41 Universal suffrage exists for those 18 or older New Zealand citizens and others who are permanently residing in New Zealand are usually eligible to vote 42 New Zealand was the first self governing nation to enfranchise women starting from the 1893 election 43 There are a few disqualifications mentally impaired persons detained in hospital and prisoners sentenced to a term of over three years are ineligible to vote 44 Parliamentary elections are conducted by secret ballot for European New Zealanders since 1871 45 46 and Maori seats since 1938 46 Almost all general elections between 1853 and 1993 were held under the first past the post voting system 47 with the exception of the 1908 and 1911 elections which used a two round system Since 1996 a form of proportional representation called mixed member proportional MMP has been used 48 Under the MMP system each person has two votes one is for electorate seats including some reserved for Maori 49 and the other is for a party Currently update there are 72 electorate seats which includes seven Maori electorates 50 and the remaining 48 seats are apportioned from party lists so that representation in parliament reflects the party vote although a party has to win one electorate or 5 percent of the total party vote before it is eligible for these seats 51 After the introduction of proportional representation no single party won an outright majority 52 until the 2020 election when Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern led the Labour Party to win 65 of the 120 seats 53 Last election results Edit This section is transcluded from Results of the 2020 New Zealand general election edit history Summary of the 17 October 2020 election for the House of Representatives 54 Party Party vote Electorate vote sum Totalseats Votes Change pp Seats Votes Change pp SeatsLabour 1 443 545 50 01 13 12 19 1 357 501 48 07 10 19 46 65 19National 738 275 25 58 18 87 10 963 845 34 13 9 92 23 33 23Green 226 757 7 86 1 59 9 162 245 5 74 1 17 1 10 2ACT 219 031 7 59 7 08 9 97 697 3 46 2 45 1 10 9NZ First 75 020 2 60 4 60 0 30 209 1 07 4 38 0 0 9Opportunities TOP 43 449 1 51 0 94 0 25 181 0 89 0 14 0 0 New Conservative 42 613 1 48 1 24 0 49 598 1 76 1 52 0 0 Maori Party 33 630 1 17 0 01 1 60 837 2 15 0 04 1 2 2Advance NZ 28 429 0 98 new 0 25 054 0 89 new 0 0 newLegalise Cannabis 13 329 0 46 0 15 0 8 044 0 28 0 12 0 0 ONE 8 121 0 28 new 0 6 830 0 24 new 0 0 newVision NZ 4 237 0 15 new 0 2 139 0 08 new 0 0 newOutdoors 3 256 0 11 0 05 0 7 982 0 28 0 23 0 0 TEA 2 414 0 08 new 0 2 764 0 10 new 0 0 newSustainable NZ 1 880 0 07 new 0 2 421 0 09 new 0 0 newSocial Credit 1 520 0 05 0 02 0 2 699 0 11 0 09 0 0 Heartland 914 0 03 new 0 8 462 0 30 new 0 0 newUnregistered parties 3 391 0 12 0 08 0 0 Independent 7 299 0 26 0 24 0 0 Valid votes 2 886 420 98 88 0 34 2 824 198 96 75 0 58Informal votes 21 372 0 73 0 32 57 138 1 96 0 80Disallowed votes 11 281 0 39 0 66 37 737 2 66 1 37Below electoral threshold 225 182 7 71 Total 2 919 073 100 48 2 919 073 100 72 120Eligible voters and Turnout 3 549 580 82 24 2 49 3 549 580 82 24 2 49Officials and officers EditSee also Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives and Parliamentary Counsel Office New Zealand Adrian Rurawhe is the current Speaker of the House The House of Representatives elects one of its members as a presiding officer known as the speaker of the House 55 at the beginning of each new parliamentary term and also whenever a vacancy arises It is the speaker s role to apply the rules of the House called the Standing Orders 56 and oversee procedures and the day to day operation of the chamber The speaker responds to points of order from other members of the House 7 When presiding the speaker is obliged to remain impartial 57 Additionally since 1992 the House elects a deputy speaker from amongst its members the deputy may preside when the speaker is absent Up to two assistants are also appointed from amongst the members of the House 58 Several political party based roles are filled by elected MPs 59 The prime minister is the leader of the largest government party and leads the government s contribution to major debates in the House The leader of the Official Opposition is the MP who leads the largest opposition party The leader of the House is an MP appointed by the prime minister to arrange government business and the legislative programme of Parliament 59 Whips called musterers by the Green Party 60 are organisers and administrators of the MPs in each of the political parties in the House The whips make sure that members of their caucus are in the House during crucial votes 59 61 Officers of the House who are not MPs include the clerk of the House the deputy clerk the chief parliamentary counsel a lawyer who helps to draft bills and several other junior clerks These are non partisan roles 61 The most senior of these officers is the clerk of the House who is responsible for several key administrative tasks 62 such as advising members on the rules practices and customs of the House 59 Another important officer is the serjeant at arms 59 whose duties include the maintenance of order and security in the precincts of the House The serjeant at arms sits in the debating chamber opposite the speaker at the visitors door for each House sitting session 63 The serjeant at arms is also the custodian of the mace and bears the mace into and out of the chamber of the House at the beginning and end of each sitting day 64 Procedure Edit The mace is carried into Parliament by the Serjeant at Arms during the Opening of the 29th Parliament 1950 The House of Representatives usually sits Tuesday to Thursday when in session 65 The House meets in a debating chamber located inside Parliament House Wellington The layout is similar to the design of the chamber of the British House of Commons 66 The seats and desks are arranged in rows in a horseshoe pattern 63 The speaker of the House sits in a raised chair at the open end of the horseshoe giving him a clear view of proceedings In front of the chair is a table on which rests the mace The House of Representatives cannot lawfully meet without the mace representing the authority of the speaker being present in the chamber 64 The current mace is a replica of the one in the British House of Commons it is over 100 years old having been used since 7 October 1909 67 Layout of important roles and where they are seated in the Debating Chamber Various officers clerks and other officials sit at the table ready to advise the speaker on procedure when necessary 59 Members of the Government occupy the seats on the speaker s right while members of the Official Opposition sit on the speaker s left Members are assigned seating on the basis of the seniority in a party caucus ministers sit around the prime minister who is traditionally assigned the fourth seat along the front row on the speaker s right 68 The Opposition leader sits directly across from the prime minister and is surrounded by Opposition spokespersons A member who is not a minister or spokesperson is referred to as a backbencher 7 A backbencher may still be subject to party discipline called whipping Whips ensure that members of their party attend and vote as the party leadership desires Government whips are seated behind the prime minister Opposition whips are normally seated behind the leader of the Opposition 69 Members from parties that are not openly aligned with either the Government or the Official Opposition are sometimes referred to as crossbenchers 70 Debates and votes Edit Members have the option of addressing the House in English Te Reo Maori 71 or New Zealand Sign Language with an interpreter provided 72 Speeches are addressed to the presiding officer using the words Mister Speaker if a man or Madam Speaker if a woman 73 Only the speaker may be directly addressed in debate other members must be referred to in the third person either by full name or office 72 The speaker can name a member believed to have broken the rules of conduct of the House following a vote this will usually result in the expulsion of said member from the chamber 74 Chamber pictured during a debate by members of the 49th Parliament 11 June 2011 During debates members may only speak if called upon by the speaker No member may speak more than once on the same question except that the mover of a motion is entitled to make one speech at the beginning of the debate and another at the end The Standing Orders of the House of Representatives prescribe time limits for speeches 75 The limits depend on the nature of the motion but are most commonly between ten and twenty minutes However under certain circumstances the prime minister and other party leaders are entitled to make longer speeches Debate may be further restricted by the passage of time allocation motions Alternatively the House may end debate more quickly by passing a motion for closure 75 A vote is held to resolve a question when it is put to the House of Representatives The House first votes by voice vote the speaker or deputy speaker puts the question and MPs respond either Aye in favour of the motion or No against the motion 61 The presiding officer then announces the result of the voice vote but if his assessment is challenged by any Member a recorded vote known as a division follows There are two methods of handling a division party vote is used for most votes but personal vote is used for conscience issues In the party vote method the clerk of the House reads out each party s name in turn A member of the party usually a whip will respond to their party s name by stating how many members of the party are in favour and how many members are opposed The clerk tallies up the votes and gives the results to the speaker who announces the result If the members of a party are not unanimous a list of the members of the party and how they voted must be tabled after the vote 76 In the personal vote method MPs enter one of two lobbies the Aye lobby or the No lobby on either side of the chamber At each lobby are two tellers themselves MPs who count the votes of the MPs Once the division concludes the tellers provide the results to the speaker who then announces the result In case of a tie the motion lapses 75 A parliament publicity photograph from 1966 The Prime Minister Keith Holyoake addresses the House Every sitting day a period of time is set aside for questions to be asked of ministers and select committee chairs 6 77 Questions to a minister must related to their official ministerial activities not about activities as a party leader There are 12 questions which are distributed proportionately among the parties 6 In addition to questions asked orally during question time members may also make inquiries in writing Written questions are submitted to the clerk either on paper or electronically and answers are recorded in Parliamentary Debates Hansard 6 Passage of legislation EditMost parliamentary business is about making new laws and amending old laws The House examines and amends bills the title given to a proposed piece of legislation while under consideration by the House in several formal stages 78 The term for these stages is reading which originates from the practice in the British Parliament where bills were literally read aloud in the chamber In New Zealand only a bill s title is read aloud Once a bill has passed through all its parliamentary stages it is enacted and becomes an Act of Parliament 79 forming part of New Zealand s law Bills become Acts after being approved three times by House votes and then receiving the Royal Assent from the governor general The majority of bills are proposed by the government of the day that is the party or coalition parties that command a majority in the House to implement its policies These policies may relate to the raising of revenue through taxation bills or the expenditure of money through appropriation bills including those bills giving effect to the budget 80 It is rare for government bills to be defeated indeed the first to be defeated in the twentieth century was in 1998 when the Local Government Amendment Bill No 5 was defeated on its second reading 81 Individual MPs who are not ministers may propose their own bills called members bills these are usually put forward by opposition parties or by MPs who wish to deal with a matter that parties do not take positions on Local government and private individuals may also propose legislation to be introduced by an MP 82 Proxy voting is allowed in which members may designate a party or another member to vote on their behalf An excuse is required 75 First reading Edit The first stage of the process is the first reading 83 The member introducing the bill often a minister will give a detailed speech on the bill as a whole Debate on the bill last about two hours for government bills and one hour for other members bills 84 with 12 MPs making ten minute speeches on the bill s general principles 85 Speaking slots are allocated based on the size of each party with different parties using different methods to distribute their slots among their members 75 The member introducing the bill will generally make a recommendation that the bill be considered by an appropriate select committee see Committees Sometimes it will be recommended that a special committee be formed usually when the bill is particularly important or controversial The House then votes as to whether the bill should be sent to the committee for deliberation It is not uncommon for a bill to be voted to the select committee stage even by parties which do not support it since select committees can recommend amendments to bills parties will often not make a final decision on whether to back a bill until the second reading 86 Prior to the first reading the attorney general will check the bill is consistent with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 If the bill or part of it is not consistent the attorney general will present a report to the House known as a Section 7 report highlighting the inconsistencies 87 Select committee stage Edit The select committee will scrutinise the bill going over it in more detail than can be achieved by the whole membership of the House The public can also make submissions to select committees offering support criticism or merely comments 88 Written submissions from the public to the committee are normally due two months after the bill s first reading Submitters can opt to also give an oral submission which are heard by the committee in Wellington and numbers permitting Auckland and Christchurch The select committee stage is seen as increasingly important today in the past the governing party generally dominated select committees making the process something of a rubber stamp but in the multi party environment there is significant scope for real debate Select committees frequently recommend changes to bills with prompts for change coming from the MPs sitting in the committee officials who advise the committee and members of the public When a majority of the committee is satisfied with the bill the committee will report back to the House on it Unless Parliament grants an extension the time limit for select committee deliberations is six months or whatever deadline was set by the House when the bill was referred 89 Second reading Edit The second reading like the first generally consists of a two hour debate in which MPs make ten minute speeches Again speaking slots are allocated to parties based on their size In theory speeches should relate to the principles and objects of the bill and also to the consideration and recommendations of the select committee and issues raised in public submissions Parties will usually have made their final decision on a bill after the select committee stage and will make their views clear during the second reading debates At the conclusion of debate the House votes on whether to accept any amendments recommended by the select committee by majority unanimous amendments are not subjected to this extra hurdle 84 The Government usually through the minister of finance has the power given by the House s Standing Orders to veto any proposed legislation that would have a major impact on the Government s budget and expenditure plans 90 This veto can be invoked at any stage of the process but if applied to a bill as a whole will most likely be employed at the second reading stage Since the financial veto certificate was introduced in 1996 the Government has exercised it only once in respect of an entire bill in 2016 90 although many amendments have been vetoed at the committee of the whole House stage If a bill receives its second reading it goes on to be considered by a committee of the whole House 75 Committee of the whole House Edit When a bill reaches the committee of the whole House stage the House resolves itself into committee that is it forms a committee consisting of all MPs as distinct from a select committee which consists only of a few members When the House is in committee it is able to operate in a slightly less formal way than usual 75 During a committee of the whole House a bill is debated in detail usually part by part a part is a grouping of clauses MPs may make five minute speeches on a particular part or provision of the bill and may propose further amendments but theoretically should not make general speeches on the bill s overall goals or principles that should have occurred at the second reading Sometimes a member may advertise the proposed amendments beforehand by having them printed on a Supplementary Order Paper 91 this is common for amendments proposed by government ministers Some Supplementary Order Papers are very extensive and if agreed to can result in major amendments to bills On rare occasions Supplementary Order Papers are referred to select committees for comment citation needed The extent to which a bill changes during this process varies If the select committee that considered the bill did not have a government majority and made significant alterations the Government may make significant corrective amendments There is some criticism that bills may be amended to incorporate significant policy changes without the benefit of select committee scrutiny or public submissions or even that such major changes can be made with little or no notice citation needed However under the MMP system when the Government is less likely to have an absolute majority any amendments will usually need to be negotiated with other parties to obtain majority support The Opposition may also put forward wrecking amendments 92 These amendments are often just symbolic of their contrasting policy position or simply intended to delay the passage of the bill through the sheer quantity of amendments for the committee of the whole House to vote on Third reading Edit The final reading takes the same format as the first and second readings a two hour debate with MPs making ten minute speeches 85 The speeches once again refer to the bill in general terms and represent the final chance for debate A final vote is taken If a bill passes its third reading it is passed on to the governor general who will assuming constitutional conventions are followed give it Royal Assent as a matter of law The title is changed from a bill to an Act and it becomes law 93 Committees EditMain article New Zealand House of Representatives committees A select committee hearing in action during the 49th Parliament In addition to the work of the main chamber the House of Representatives also has a large number of committees established in order to deal with particular areas or issues 94 There are 12 subject select committees which scrutinise and amend bills 95 They can call for submissions from the public 96 thereby meaning that there is a degree of public consultation before a parliamentary bill proceeds into law The strengthening of the committee system was in response to concerns that legislation was being forced through without receiving due examination and revision 97 Each committee has between six and twelve members including a chairperson and deputy chairperson 98 with parties broadly represented in proportion to party membership in the House 94 MPs may be members of more than one committee Membership of committees is determined by the Business Specialist Committee which is chaired by the speaker 99 Occasionally a special committee will be created on a temporary basis an example was the Select Committee established to study the foreshore and seabed bill New Zealand Youth Parliament EditMain article New Zealand Youth Parliament Once in every term of Parliament a New Zealand Youth Parliament is held This major national event is open to 16 to 18 year olds who are appointed by individual MPs to represent them in their role for a few days in Wellington The Youth MPs spend time debating a mock bill in the House and in select committees and asking questions of Cabinet ministers The previous New Zealand Youth Parliament was held in July 2019 100 Accredited news organisations EditThe following list is of news agencies which are accredited members of the New Zealand House of Representatives press gallery 101 Agence France Presse Aotearoa Student Press Association Asia Pacific Economic News Service Associated Press Bloomberg Television Business Wire Capital Chinese News Content Ltd Deutsche Presse Agentur The Dominion Post Dow Jones Newswires ED Insider Fairfax Media Bureau Front Page Herald on Sunday InsideWellington Interest co nz Mana Maori Media Maori Television National Business Review Newsroom and New Zealand Farmers Weekly Newstalk ZB New Zealand Chinese Times The New Zealand Herald New Zealand Listener New Zealand Newswire Otago Daily Times Pacific Media Network The Press Prime Radio Live Radio New Zealand Reuters Scoop Select committee News South Pacific News Service The Sunday Star Times Synapsis co nz Television New Zealand Te Upoko o Te Ika Torangapu Trans Tasman TV3 Waatea National Maori Radio Xinhua News AgencyLists of members EditList of living former members of the New Zealand Parliament elected earliest a list of MPs who were first elected more than 40 years ago List of longest serving members of the New Zealand Parliament List of members of the New Zealand Parliament who died in officeSee also Edit Politics portal New Zealand portalAdjournment debate List of New Zealand by elections Lists of statutes of New Zealand 2023 New Zealand general election Office of the Ombudsman New Zealand Parliamentary Debates Hansard the official transcripts of Parliamentary Debates Legislature broadcasters in New ZealandNotes Edit The Green Party co operates with the governing Labour Party while not committing to a more formal coalition or confidence and supply arrangement 1 References EditCitations Edit Greens officially sign on to join Government with Labour 1 November 2020 Retrieved 3 November 2020 a b Parliamentary Salaries and Allowances Determination No 2 2020 LI 2020 327 as at 15 July 2021 Schedule 1 Salaries payable under section 8 of Members of Parliament Remuneration and Services Act 2013 for periods specified in clause 5 1 www legislation govt nz Parliamentary Counsel Office Retrieved 27 February 2022 Whare o Raro Te Aka Maori Dictionary maoridictionary co nz Retrieved 31 January 2023 a b c How Parliament works What is Parliament New Zealand Parliament 28 June 2010 Retrieved 31 May 2014 a b Parliament Brief What is Parliament New Zealand Parliament Retrieved 19 December 2016 a b c d Martin John E 1 February 2015 Parliament The business of government Te Ara The Encyclopedia of New Zealand Retrieved 9 March 2022 a b c Glossary of terms New Zealand Parliament Retrieved 13 May 2017 Parliament Brief Government Accountability to the House New Zealand Parliament 21 March 2014 Retrieved 12 November 2020 Parties and Government New Zealand Parliament Retrieved 21 February 2018 Scholefield 1950 p 91 Parliament in Election Year New Zealand Parliament Retrieved 14 December 2018 Muldoon calls snap election New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Retrieved 14 December 2018 McCulloch Craig 27 September 2018 Waka jumping bill passes into law after heated debate RNZ Retrieved 10 August 2020 Taylor Kevin 19 November 2004 Awatere facing expulsion from Parliament after court decision The New Zealand Herald Retrieved 10 August 2020 List MPs standing in by elections PDF MMPReview org nz Retrieved 20 February 2018 Part 1 Nomination of Candidates Electoral Commission New Zealand 11 May 2018 Retrieved 24 February 2019 Opening of the 53rd Parliament www parliament nz New Zealand Parliament Retrieved 25 November 2020 Members of Parliament www parliament nz New Zealand Parliament Retrieved 13 December 2022 Women members of the New Zealand Parliament 1933 onwards www parliament nz New Zealand Parliament 9 November 2020 Retrieved 25 November 2020 Election 2020 Historical high New Zealand Parliament readies for more diversity RNZ 19 October 2020 Retrieved 25 November 2020 Whyte Anna 25 October 2022 Women outnumber men in Parliament for first time as new MP Soraya Peke Mason sworn in Stuff Retrieved 25 October 2022 Wilson 1985 p 194 Members of Parliament Longest shortest oldest youngest www parliament nz New Zealand Parliament Retrieved 25 October 2022 Nielson Michael 20 October 2022 Former Speaker and Labour MP Trevor Mallard delivers final speech in the House NZ Herald Retrieved 25 October 2022 Size of the House of Representatives 120 or 99 MPs New Zealand Parliamentary Library 5 October 1999 p 1 Retrieved 13 June 2018 Overhang PDF MMPReview org nz Electoral Commission New Zealand Proclamation from Government Gazette of 10 March 1853 New Zealand Spectator and Cook s Strait Guardian 12 March 1853 page 3 Electoral Districts Act 1858 Representation Act 1860 Representation Act 1862 Representation Act 1865 Maori Representation Act 1867 Representation Act 1870 Representation Act 1875 Representation Act 1881 Representation Acts Amendment Act 1887 Representation Act 1900 Electoral Act 1993 Electoral Amendment Act 1965 Electoral Amendment Act 1975 New Zealand OECD Better Life Index Organisation for Economic Co operation and Development Retrieved 5 March 2022 Voter turnout was 82 during recent elections higher than the OECD average of 69 Who can and can t enrol Electoral Commission New Zealand 1 August 2016 Retrieved 14 December 2018 you are 18 years or older and you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident and you have lived in New Zealand for one year or more continuously at some point Else Anne ed 1993 Women Together A History of Women s Organizations in New Zealand Wellington Daphne Brasell Electoral Act 1993 No 87 as at 28 October 2021 Public Act www legislation govt nz Parliamentary Counsel Office 80 Disqualifications for registration The Secret Ballot Electoral Commission New Zealand 15 February 2013 Retrieved 14 December 2018 a b Change in the 20th century New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage 12 July 2016 Retrieved 14 December 2018 First past the post the road to MMP New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage 13 January 2016 Retrieved 14 December 2018 New Zealand s Change to MMP aceproject org ACE Electoral Knowledge Network Retrieved 24 June 2017 Reviewing electorate numbers and boundaries Electoral Commission New Zealand 8 May 2005 Archived from the original on 9 November 2011 Retrieved 23 January 2012 Number of electorates and electoral populations 2018 Census www stats govt nz Statistics New Zealand 23 September 2019 Retrieved 5 November 2020 Sainte Lague allocation formula Electoral Commission 4 February 2013 Archived from the original on 14 September 2013 Retrieved 31 May 2014 Kiwi PM Jacinda Ardern will be world s youngest female leader The Sydney Morning Herald Fairfax Media 20 October 2017 Retrieved 20 October 2017 New Zealand election Jacinda Ardern s Labour Party scores landslide win BBC News 17 October 2020 Retrieved 17 October 2020 2020 GENERAL ELECTION OFFICIAL RESULTS AND STATISTICS ElectionResults govt nz Electoral Commission 30 November 2020 Office of the Speaker New Zealand Parliament Retrieved 19 December 2016 Rules of the House New Zealand Parliament Retrieved 13 May 2017 The Speaker in history New Zealand Parliament Retrieved 14 December 2018 Supporting the Speaker New Zealand Parliament Retrieved 13 May 2017 a b c d e f People in Parliament New Zealand Parliament Archived from the original on 1 November 2017 Retrieved 13 May 2017 The Musterer Replaces Whips in the Green Party Scoop News Scoop co nz 14 December 1999 Retrieved 20 February 2019 a b c Martin John E 1 February 2015 Parliament How Parliament works Te Ara The Encyclopedia of New Zealand Retrieved 14 May 2017 Smith Phil 15 May 2022 Oiling the democratic machine RNZ Retrieved 26 May 2022 a b Where MPs sit in the House New Zealand Parliament 22 October 2014 Retrieved 20 December 2016 a b What is the significance of the mace New Zealand Parliament Retrieved 13 May 2017 Chapter 2 Sittings of the House Standing Orders New Zealand Parliament 23 October 2020 46 Retrieved 26 May 2022 How Parliament works New Zealand Parliament Retrieved 13 May 2017 Parliament s mace is 100 years old New Zealand Parliament 12 October 2009 Retrieved 24 February 2019 People of Parliament New Zealand Parliament 29 June 2017 Retrieved 28 February 2018 What is a party whip and what do they do New Zealand Parliament 27 June 2013 Retrieved 21 February 2018 New Zealand prepares to vote after strangest dirtiest election campaign The Guardian 18 September 2014 Parliament in te reo New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Retrieved 13 May 2017 a b Chapter 16 Debate New Zealand Parliament Retrieved 21 February 2019 Parliamentary Debates vol 329 New Zealand Parliament retrieved 7 March 2018 Naming and Suspension of Member New Zealand Parliament Retrieved 13 May 2017 a b c d e f g Chapter 3 General procedures Standing Orders New Zealand Parliament 23 October 2020 Retrieved 26 May 2022 Voting in the House of Representatives New Zealand Parliament 6 November 2009 Retrieved 30 August 2012 Question time in the House New Zealand Parliament 16 October 2012 Retrieved 3 July 2017 Chapter 7 Parties and Government www parliament nz New Zealand Parliament 14 October 2010 Retrieved 23 November 2017 How a bill becomes law www parliament nz New Zealand Parliament Retrieved 19 June 2019 Guide to the Budget process treasury govt nz New Zealand Treasury 17 May 2018 Retrieved 19 June 2019 New Zealand Parliament Chapter 7 Parties and Government Archived from the original on 15 January 2012 Retrieved 9 February 2012 Private bills and local bills New Zealand Parliament 28 November 2011 Chapter 5 Legislative procedures Standing Orders New Zealand Parliament 23 October 2020 293 Retrieved 26 May 2022 a b Parliament Brief The legislative process www parliament nz New Zealand Parliament 25 May 2020 Retrieved 26 May 2022 a b Appendix A Time limits for speeches and debates Standing Orders New Zealand Parliament 23 October 2020 293 Retrieved 26 May 2022 Mcleay Elizabeth Spring 2001 Parliamentary Committees in New Zealand A house continuously reforming itself Australasian Parliamentary Review 16 2 121 139 ISSN 1447 9125 S2CID 151012561 Retrieved 26 May 2022 New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 The Legislation Design and Advisory Committee New Zealand Legislation Design and Advisory Committee Retrieved 13 May 2017 Presenting a submission to a Select Committee PDF myd govt nz Retrieved 26 May 2022 Chapter 5 Legislative procedures Standing Orders New Zealand Parliament 23 October 2020 295 Time for Report Retrieved 26 May 2022 a b Financial Veto certificates explained New Zealand Parliament 29 June 2016 Retrieved 25 February 2019 New Zealand Supplementary Order Papers www nzlii org Retrieved 26 May 2022 Motions and Amendments New Zealand Parliament Retrieved 20 December 2018 The Royal Assent New Zealand Parliament 3 December 2009 Retrieved 15 December 2018 a b About select committees New Zealand Parliament 17 October 2017 Retrieved 14 December 2018 List of select committees New Zealand Parliament Retrieved 25 February 2019 Submissions and Advice New Zealand Parliament Retrieved 14 December 2018 Ganley Marcus Select Committees and their Role in Keeping Parliament Relevant Do New Zealand select committees make a difference PDF Department of Political Studies University of Western Australia Retrieved 14 December 2018 Chapter 4 Select Committees Standing Orders New Zealand Parliament 2017 Retrieved 14 December 2018 Business New Zealand Parliament Retrieved 25 February 2019 Youth Parliament 2010 MYD Archived from the original on 22 May 2010 Retrieved 25 March 2010 New Zealand Parliament Press Gallery list Archived from the original on 9 February 2007 Retrieved 26 April 2013 Sources Edit McGee David G 2005 Parliamentary practice in New Zealand 3rd ed Wellington Dunmore Pub ISBN 9781877399060 Scholefield Guy 1950 First ed published 1913 New Zealand Parliamentary Record 1840 1949 3rd ed Wellington Govt Printer Wilson James Oakley 1985 First published in 1913 New Zealand Parliamentary Record 1840 1984 4th ed Wellington V R Ward Govt Printer OCLC 154283103 External links Editparliament nz New Zealand Parliament official site List of select committees New Zealand Parliament Digitised reports from selected volumes of the Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title New Zealand House of Representatives amp oldid 1148332171, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

article

, read, download, free, free download, mp3, video, mp4, 3gp, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, picture, music, song, movie, book, game, games.