Stories by Daniela Maoate-Cox

Representation of women in Pacific Parliaments is among the lowest in the world but wahine throughout the Pacific are standing up to make a change.

A ministerial statement has been made in the House to draw attention to a report on Havelock North's drinking water.

A bill to help the rebuild of the Christ Church Cathedral is introduced and has its first reading in the House. 

MPs agree to send a polite note to the Governor General and discuss the definition of a chicken. 

Like the last day of school MPs said farewell, thank you, and good luck for the campaign, sometimes even sounding like they meant it, as Parliament breaks for the election.

Sometimes there are more things to do than there is time to do them but Parliament has a few tools to help it get things done including passing Treaty Settlements.

Departing National MP Craig Foss says he's always tried to stick to his values during his 12 years as an MP.

National's "lefty" MP Chester Borrows says goodbye to the House after 12 years as an MP.

Departing National MP Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga shares stories of being mistaken for a Labour MP and helping a teenage mother living in a garage as he gives his farewell statement to the House.

Green MP Steffan Browning says farewell to the House with a critique of the Government's environmental record.

National's Jo Goodhew reflects on 12 years as an MP in her final farewell adress to Parliament.

In his farewell address to Parliament National MP Lindsay Tisch says he's had an interest in politics since his school days last century.

Parliament has loosened up rules for satirising footage of MPs in the debating chamber as part of a review of Standing Orders.

At the age of 14 Clayton Cosgrove signed up for the Labour Party having no idea that he would end up serving 18 years as an MP.

National's Murray McCully says goodbye to the house after three decades as an MP.

Labour MP Sue Moroney reflects on her 12 years of work on issues such as workers' rights, transport, and housing in her valedictory statement.

Departing Green MP Catherine Delahunty says goodbye to the House with satirical poetry, waiata, and cautionary words for the future.

First Person - Following Cook Islands Language Week last week, Daniela Maoate-Cox reflects on it as a time to connect with her culture, but also as a reminder of what has been lost.

Only 13 percent of the 60,000 Cook Islanders in New Zealand can speak the language so would speaking it in the House help? Cook Island MPs share their thoughts and tips for speaking te reo. 

A proposal to clarify the rules around speaking Pacific languages in Parliament could get more Pacific youth involved with politics says PYLAT. 

The looming election has propelled many MPs into frenzied campaigning but for others it’s a signal that it’s time to move on. National's Paul Foster-Bell talks to The House about leaving Parliament.

With over thirty years experience as an MP Annette King is a familiar face both in and out of Government but says it was a life she had never planned for. 

David Seymour says he hopes you die in your sleep aged 100 but he wants to give you options if the reality gets much nastier.

Parliament brings out the worst in people says departing Green MP Catherine Delahunty and she won't miss much when she leaves at the September election.  

Many view protesting as a human right but conflict can arise when a movement takes over a public space indefinitely - a bill before Parliament hopes to offer a balanced solution.