Johnny Blades

This week Parliament activity is dominated by the expected transition to a new Speaker, with the incumbent Trevor Mallard about to resign. Audio

Two bills related to crime and high risk offenders have passed a third reading, doubling the opportunity for Opposition MPs to label the Government ”soft on crime”. Audio

The House hears from two Hansard editors about the unique work of the team whose reports become part of Parliament's official record and can be seen by anyone. Audio

In his maiden speech the newly sworn-in MP for Tauranga warns of a malaise in the country, and urges the nation to 'get busy winning'. Audio

Parliament at night is a different vibe to Parliament during the day. Staff numbers on precinct have mostly thinned out, but it's a time when the weird and wonderful can happen. Audio

The latest from the House Audio

Last week Parliament was taken over by the new leaders Youth Parliament - an opportunity for rangatahi to speak and the rest of us to pay attention. Audio

There are various parts of Parliament that could be deemed crucial to the functioning of the place, but perhaps none quite so much as the House Office. Audio

MPs talk about money a lot. The rest of us often blank out the financials as 'just math'. Annoyingly the money is important so The House tries to explain all that dry 'Appropriations' money talk. Audio