Parliament Archive

• 

  How would you rate Speaker Carter’s performance? - by Gareth Hughes

  
  
  
  Question Time is an important part of our parliamentary democracy. How do you think the new Speaker is going in refereeing it? read more
  March 27, 2013 8:23 pm - 9 Comments
• 

  Open letter to the Speaker re: Question Time - by Russel Norman

  
  
  
  Rt Hon David Carter Speaker of the House of Representatives Parliament Buildings Wellington 20 March 2013 Dear David After sitting through another chaotic question time I feel compelled to write this open letter to you as Speaker. I strongly urge you to revert to the set of rules that Lockwood Smith had developed over the [...] read more
  March 21, 2013 9:24 am - 12 Comments
• 

  Feminists of the Year acknowledged in Parliament - by Jan Logie

  
  
  
  Yesterday Maurice Williamson used Parliament to boost his male ego and in the process turned Parliament back into a boys’ club,  announcing how fortunate he’d been to spend the last hour in his office with the Miss Universe NZ contestants. Note the extended male laughter. I was told there was also barking but I was [...] read more
  May 30, 2012 3:24 pm - 31 Comments
• 

  Lobbying Disclosure Bill pulled from the ballot - by Holly Walker

  
  
  
  I’m very excited to report that my first Member’s Bill has been drawn from the parliamentary ballot! I inherited the Lobbyist Disclosure Bill from former Green MP Sue Kedgley when she retired, and I’m thrilled that I’ll get a chance to continue Sue’s great work on transparency and open government with this bill. read more
  April 5, 2012 1:31 pm - 2 Comments
• 

  Our new MPs’ maiden speeches - by frog

  
  
  
  Our new MPs are giving their maiden speeches in the House today. Transcripts will be posted once each speech is completed. Videos will be posted as they are made available. read more
  February 15, 2012 4:17 pm - 7 Comments
• 

  Democracy, secrecy, and good process. - by David Clendon

  
  
  
  On Thursday, Keith Locke and I spent a good part of the day in the House going to bat against the government’s ‘secret squirrel’ bill to amend the Police Act that Frog blogged on earlier .  Our objections to the bill were matters both of process and substance.  I want to comment here just on the process, which was appalling, [...] read more
  August 19, 2011 12:24 pm - 5 Comments
• 

  “Business attire” - by Sue Kedgley

  
  
  
  Intrigued by the Speaker’s ruling today that all women MPs should wear “business attire”, I sought guidance from Google. It appears that directing women to wear “business attire” is code for telling women to dress like men. So what I have deduced from the Speaker’s ruling is it is okay for women MPs to wear [...] read more
  June 7, 2011 5:42 pm - 31 Comments
• 

  “Greens’ vigilance on Gillard merits praise” – John Armstrong - by frog

  
  
  
  Here’s John Armstrong’s view on Julia Gillard addressing Parliament, as published in the NZ Herald this morning. Greens’ vigilance on Gillard merits praise – John Armstrong The Greens have got some unwarranted stick for blocking Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard from addressing Parliament while it is officially in session. They were right to do so. [...] read more
  February 15, 2011 10:17 am - 8 Comments
• 

  Prime Minister Gillard very welcome - by Kennedy Graham

  
  
  
  The visit by Australian PM, Julia Gillard, to New Zealand this week has caused some interest and intrigue.  Prime Minister John Key has cited opposition to her speaking in Parliament – and identified the Green Party as opposing. The background to this is the following. Her predecessor, Kevin Rudd, was visiting last year and had [...] read more
  February 14, 2011 5:33 pm - 50 Comments
• 

  For my Father - by frog

  
  
  
  Metiria just delivered a powerful and tear jerking speech about her father and her journey into politics. Her personal story illustrates the need to build a fairer society in New Zealand for our children and grandchildren. Here are some of the highlights I used the training incentive allowance to help with study costs, I shared [...] read more
  February 8, 2011 4:03 pm - 13 Comments
• 

  Lignite and IT problems - by frog

  
  
  
  The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has completed a report entitled Lignite and climate change: The high cost of low grade coal. “The plans to increase lignite use are extremely concerning as they would produce huge quantities of carbon dioxide which contributes to climate change – the biggest environmental threat we have ever faced.” The [...] read more
  December 9, 2010 3:48 pm - 2 Comments
• 

  Latest podcast – this time with transcript - by frog

  
  
  
  Here’s our latest podcast from Parliament, this time about the cross-party friendships Green MPs have struck up across the chamber. Parliament is a strange place, and often the only images we get are of MPs shouting at each other across the chamber during Question Time. But when the gloves are off, how do MPs from [...] read more
  October 26, 2010 3:45 pm - 4 Comments
• 

  Key should challenge mental health stereotypes, not perpetuate them - by Kevin Hague

  
  
  
  When I was a schoolboy, one of the common schoolyard taunts was to refer to someone as “mental” or “loony”.  Through most of last century, mental illness was a highly stigmatised issue, and people with mental health problems were hidden away from the rest of society, often untreated and/or mistreated, in what were once known [...] read more
  August 4, 2010 11:45 am - 44 Comments
• 

  A day to remember as Waikato River Settlement Bill passes into law - by David Clendon

  
  
  
  Things must have been fairly quiet in parts of the Waikato yesterday (May 6th).  That’s because an awful lot of ‘the locals’ were in Wellington, filling the galleries and the Grand Hall at Parliament, to witness up close and personal the passing of the Waikato-Tainui Raupatu Claims (Waikato River) Settlement Bill. It was a remarkable [...] read more
  May 7, 2010 10:32 am - 5 Comments
• 

  Minister leaves door open for truly smart meters - by David Clendon

  
  
  
  Electricity consumers around the country are having smart meters installed that aren’t really smart, and then have to pay for them through their electricity bill, without getting any of the benefits. read more
  April 22, 2010 10:41 am - 14 Comments
• 

  Mining protest at Parliament: The first ripple - by Catherine Delahunty

  
  
  
  Yesterday I joined what will undoubtedly be the first in a series of protests against the Government’s plans for mining in Schedule 4 land. Conservative media estimates put the numbers at 500, but I reckon it was closer to 1000. Metiria’s speech was a rousing call to action, and she contrasted Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson’s [...] read more
  March 31, 2010 10:47 am - 9 Comments
• 

  Privatisation in education legislation - by Catherine Delahunty

  
  
  
  The word opposition doesn’t always describe Labour’s voting patterns. In fact, Labour have voted with National almost exactly as often as the Maori Party, even though Labour is the official opposition, and the Maori Party is actually part of the Government! [For the political junkies, Labour have voted with National 12 times at first readings, [...] read more
  March 19, 2010 2:46 pm - 18 Comments
• 

  Podcast: Gareth’s challenge to Parliament - by frog

  
  
  
  The Greens’ newest and youngest MP, Gareth Hughes, has taken his seat in Parliament and delivered his maiden speech, laying down a challenge to Parliament to take climate change seriously and to listen to the voices of the new generation he represents. This week we present some highlights from his maiden address. Click to play [...] read more
  March 3, 2010 9:33 am - 3 Comments
• 

  Here’s how you can watch Jeanette’s valedictory speech live - by frog

  
  
  
  For those who can’t make it to Parliament House, Jeanette Fitzsimons’ last speech is viewable on line in several ways. Look here to choose your preference. Tune in from 5:30 pm today to ensure you don’t miss a word. Yes, the sad day has come, but we’ll see her off in good style! read more
  February 10, 2010 3:17 pm - 24 Comments
• 

  Send a tribute to Jeanette - by frog

  
  
  
  I never thought I’d be writing this post. Nevertheless, as I write, Jeanette is in Wellington announcing that she is stepping down as an MP. This post is a place for frogblog readers to send a personal message to Jeanette or recall a favourite memory. If you would like to debate the consequences or your [...] read more
  January 28, 2010 10:01 am - 51 Comments
• 

  Jeanette steps down from Parliament - by frog

  
  
  
  The headline kind of says everything, doesn’t it? It’s heartbreaking news to me, even if Jeanette has signalled since stepping down as co-leader that she would go before the next election. This is the post where we can discuss what it all means. Judging from past events, we will once again have to field all [...] read more
  January 28, 2010 10:00 am - 13 Comments
• 

  Hugging trees: with a spade, trap and chainsaw - by frog

  
  
  
  A Wellington couple, entreprenuerial tree-huggers if you wish, criticise Fed Farmer’s head-in-the-sand attitude on climate change in the Nelson Mail today. They’ve invested in carbon farming a 47ha block of marginal land in Golden Bay. Jonathan Kennett and Bronwen Wall aren’t wringing their hands or seeking emissions subsidy handouts; they’re getting their hands dirty planting [...] read more
  December 2, 2009 1:16 pm - No Comments
• 

  What Would Rod Say? - by frog

  
  
  
  This first anniversary of the National-led government is also the fourth anniversary of the death of former Green Party Co-Leader, Rod Donald. With the many retrospectives being written about the “new” government, my thoughts turn today to what Rod might have thought about the developments of the last year. There’s been commentary claiming the government [...] read more
  November 6, 2009 5:33 pm - 68 Comments
• 

  Sue Bradford says goodbye - by frog

  
  
  
  There is so much I could say and and want to say, but Wednesday was Sue Bradford’s day for a last word. Here is her valedictory speech. Kia kaha Sue! read more
  October 30, 2009 10:32 am - 93 Comments
• 

  One week left to submit on flawed ETS - by frog

  
  
  
  I’m using Nick Smith’s own words from last year because they are so suitable. This Government’s ETS legislation is so flawed and so rushed that it will require significant amendments after the election to make it workable. In the meantime, the rushed consultation period is coming to a close, hot on the heels of the [...] read more
  October 7, 2009 10:05 am - 19 Comments
• 

  Now we see the hidden costs of the ETS - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  Last night’s briefing on the ETS finally revealed the two missing columns from the curious page of numbers tabled in the House on Tuesday by Nick Smith. That table, to the extent it was comprehensible at all, showed there would be a $415m cost to the taxpayer from now to 2013; a saving between 2013 [...] read more
  September 24, 2009 10:32 am - 10 Comments
• 

  ETS makes us the seventh state - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  It is clear from the minister’s briefing last night that the main purpose of National’s changes to the ETS is to make us effectively the seventh state of Australia. The bill mimics exactly the bill the Rudd government has been trying (unsuccessfully) to get through the Australian senate. So a bill that has been twice [...] read more
  September 24, 2009 9:17 am - 8 Comments
• 

  Is Methanex poised to rort the taxpayer with National’s help? - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  Methanex could get $87 million in free credits each year. Under the Labour scheme Methanex would have paid for their growth. Under National’s scheme, taxpayers do. read more
  September 20, 2009 10:09 am - 21 Comments
• 

  Parliament mined, fossils detected - by frog

  
  
  
  I glanced out my window this afternoon and was alarmed to see Parliament lawn swarming with menacing figures dressed in white suits and armed with metal detectors, seemingly prospecting one of New Zealand’s finest heritage sites for minerals. read more
  September 16, 2009 4:13 pm - 18 Comments
• 

  An open letter to Phil Goff, on reading Friday’s Herald - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  Dear Phil, I am deeply disappointed you are letting Nick Smith’s electioneering define the Labour party, and apologising for that definition. It is hard to see how Labour will ever have an independent identity if it leaps to deny sensible policy whenever National attacks it. Even using their term, “nanny state” fails politics 101 – never repeat your opponent’s terms of abuse. read more
  September 12, 2009 5:17 pm - 180 Comments
• 

  Government takes baby step on Biosecurity, in face of need for giant stride - by Kevin Hague

  
  
  
  In the face of massive threats, Government has moved to cut the Budget for biosecurity by 11% (and 54 jobs), and is moving from universal biosecurity screening of incoming passengers to a “risk profile” based selective screening. This is certain to increase biosecurity incursions. read more
  September 11, 2009 6:25 am - No Comments
• 

  ETS: No majority = FAIL - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  The really interesting question now is, where is National going to get a majority for its amendments to the ETS in the House? Peter Dunne on his own hasn’t got the votes. They need one more party. The Maori Party’s minority report makes it clear they do not support an ETS at all, and if there is going to be one they do not support intensity based allocation. They have a simple principle: the polluter should pay. So National can... read more
  August 31, 2009 10:58 pm - 45 Comments
• 

  ETS: Four minority reports = FAIL - by Jeanette Fitzsimons

  
  
  
  The long awaited report of the special select committee to review the ETS – yes, that one with the terms of reference that didn’t even mention reviewing the ETS – you know, the one forced on the government by a coalition partner who then mostly didn’t even turn up to occupy their place on it – yes, THAT one – has finally reported. read more
  August 31, 2009 10:50 pm - 42 Comments
• 

  The time has come for provocation - by Kevin Hague

  
  
  
  Sometimes the time is just right for an idea. There have been calls for many years for a repeal of the partial defence of provocation in charges of murder. This was the defence argument run unsuccessfully by Clayton Weatherston, but successfully in the killing of Ronald Brown. This successful case was only the most recent [...] read more
  August 20, 2009 11:52 am - 16 Comments
• 

  NZ Government to censor the internet - by Metiria Turei

  
  
  
  Thomas Beagle sent me an email about Net censorship which has taken me a while to respond to. But since the issue is so significant, I thought I would respond here. Thomas has exposed the issue publicly though an OIA and provided significant information about it. The Department of Internal Affairs has undertaken a trial [...] read more
  July 17, 2009 3:32 pm - 43 Comments
• 

  Using the Force? Make sure it’s legal - by frog

  
  
  
  A bit of culture jamming is what you need to show that people are, in fact, paying attention. So it was when Scoop’s Gordon Campbell wrote up Kennedy Graham’s International Non-Aggression and Lawful Use of Force Bill, which was released last week. I’m not sure who to credit for the photo, beyond scoop, but if [...] read more
  July 13, 2009 2:57 pm - 30 Comments
• 

  Super-City Hearings Day Two: The Elephant in the Room - by Catherine Delahunty

  
  
  
  Phil Twyford and I both agreed that there could only be one title for our blogs today. The emerging elephant is the shadow of the yellow power jacket beneath the sweetness and light at the Select Committee. Today we heard another series of passionate and coherent submissions. The committee is receiving these as if there [...] read more
  July 8, 2009 9:27 am - 49 Comments
• 

  Catherine Delahunty and ‘Dave’ talk tropical timber - by Catherine Delahunty

  
  
  
  In Mid June Catherine Delahunty’s Sustainable Forestry Bill was picked from the ballot. Shortly after the Bill was drawn Catherine met up with someone just as keen as she is to make forestry sustainable. Dave, an Orangutan from the jungles of Sumatra whose forest home is under threat. Here’s a slightly silly video take on [...] read more
  July 7, 2009 10:47 am - 4 Comments
• 

  From little things, big things grow… - by frog

  
  
  
  There was a recurring riff behind National’s opposition to two very different Bills on Members’ Day Wednesday. One commonality was that both Bills were voted down by National, Act and United Future, and supported by Greens, Labour, Progressives and Maori Parties. But the riff I want to highlight is the idea that the problem is [...] read more
  June 19, 2009 11:33 am - 7 Comments
• 

  When are subsidies sustainable? - by frog

  
  
  
  That is not a trick question, nor an economics one. The National-led government has decided that a biofuel subsidy is preferable to a sales obligation, no doubt on ideological grounds rather than economic grounds. We now have the Biodiesel Subsidy Scheme, which pays biodiesel producers in New Zealand up to 42.5 cents per litre to [...] read more
  June 16, 2009 2:10 pm - 15 Comments