View source for New Zealand House of Representatives

{{short description|Sole chamber of the New Zealand Parliament}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=October 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Infobox legislature
|name = House of Representatives
|legislature = [[54th New Zealand Parliament|54th Parliament]] 
|coa_pic = Logo of the New Zealand House of Representatives.svg
|coa_res = 150px
|house_type = [[Unicameral]] house
|body = New Zealand Parliament
|foundation  = {{start date|1854|5|24|df=yes}} (first sitting)<ref name="first sitting">{{cite web |title=First sitting, 1854 |url=https://nzhistory.govt.nz/politics/history-of-parliament/first-sitting-1854 |website=NZ History |publisher=[[Ministry for Culture and Heritage]] |access-date=22 February 2019 |date=19 August 2014}}</ref>
|committees1 = 20 [[New Zealand House of Representatives committees|select committees]]
|salary = [[NZ$]]168,600<ref name="salary_2023"/>
|leader1_type = [[Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives|Speaker]]
|leader1 = [[Gerry Brownlee]]
|party1 = [[New Zealand National Party|National]]
|election1 = 5 December 2023
| leader2_type  = [[Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives|Deputy Speaker]]
 | leader2       = [[Barbara Kuriger]]
 | party2        = [[New Zealand National Party|National]]
 | election2     = 6 December 2023
|leader3_type = [[Prime Minister of New Zealand|Prime Minister]]
|leader3 = [[Christopher Luxon]]
|party3 = [[New Zealand National Party|National]]
|election3 = 27 November 2023
|leader4_type = [[Leader of the House (New Zealand)|Leader of the House]]
|leader4 = [[Chris Bishop]]
|party4 = [[New Zealand National Party|National]]
|election4 = 27 November 2023
|leader5_type = [[Leader of the Opposition (New Zealand)|Leader of the Opposition]]
|leader5 = [[Chris Hipkins]]
|party5 = [[New Zealand Labour Party|Labour]]
|election5 = 27 November 2023
|leader6_type = [[Shadow Leader of the House (New Zealand)|Shadow Leader of the House]]
|leader6 = [[Kieran McAnulty]]
|party6 = [[New Zealand Labour Party|Labour]]
|election6 = 30 November 2023
|members = 123
|structure1 =[[File:54th New Zealand Parliament.svg|275px]]
| political_groups1 =
'''[[Sixth National Government of New Zealand|Government]] (68)'''
* {{nowrap|{{color box|border=silver|{{party color|New Zealand National Party}}}} [[New Zealand National Party|National]] (49)}}
* {{nowrap|{{color box|border=silver|{{party color|ACT New Zealand}}}} [[ACT New Zealand|ACT]] (11)}}
* {{nowrap|{{color box|border=silver|{{party color|New Zealand First}}}} [[New Zealand First|NZ First]] (8)}}
'''[[Official Opposition (New Zealand)|Official Opposition]] (34)'''
* {{nowrap|{{color box|border=silver|{{party color|New Zealand Labour Party}}}} [[New Zealand Labour Party|Labour]] (34)}}
'''[[Crossbencher#New Zealand|Crossbench]] (21)'''
* {{nowrap|{{color box|border=silver|{{party color|Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand}}}} [[Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand|Green]] (15)}}
* {{nowrap|{{color box|border=silver|{{party color|Maori Party}}}} [[Te Pāti Māori|Māori]] (4)}} 
* {{nowrap|{{color box|border=silver|{{party color|Independent politician}}}} [[Independent politician|Independents]] (2)}}
|term_length        = Up to three years
|voting_system1 = [[Mixed-member proportional representation]]
|first_election1 = [[1853 New Zealand general election|14 July – 1 October 1853]] 
|last_election1 = [[2023 New Zealand general election|14 October 2023]]
|next_election1 = [[Next New Zealand general election|On or before 19 December 2026]]
|session_room = New Zealand House of Representatives Debating Chamber.jpg
|meeting_place = Debating chamber, [[Parliament House, Wellington]]
|website = {{URL|www.parliament.govt.nz}}
|rules= [https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/parliamentary-rules/standing-orders/ Standing Orders of the House of Representatives]
|background_color = #015941
}}

The '''House of Representatives''' is the [[Unicameral|sole chamber]] of the [[New Zealand Parliament]]. The House passes [[Law of New Zealand|laws]], provides [[Ministers in the New Zealand Government|ministers]] to form the [[Cabinet of New Zealand|Cabinet]], and supervises the work of government. It is also responsible for adopting the state's [[New Zealand Budget|budgets]] and approving the state's accounts.

The House of Representatives is a [[Representative democracy|democratic]] body consisting of representatives known as [[members of parliament]] (MPs).<ref name=parl /> There are normally 120 MPs, though there are currently 123 due to [[overhang seat]]s. [[Elections in New Zealand|Elections]] take place usually every three years using a [[mixed-member proportional representation]] system, which combines [[First-past-the-post voting|first-past-the-post]] elected [[legislative seat|seats]] with [[closed party list]]s. 72 MPs are elected directly in single-member [[New Zealand electorates|electoral districts]] and further seats are filled by [[list MP]]s based on each [[List of political parties in New Zealand|party]]'s share of the party vote. A [[List of New Zealand governments|government]] may be formed from the single party or [[Coalition government|coalition of parties]] that has the support of a majority of MPs.<ref name=parl /> 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 Parliament|act]] of the [[British Parliament]], which established a [[bicameralism|bicameral]] legislature; the upper chamber, the [[New Zealand Legislative Council|Legislative Council]], was abolished in 1950.<ref name=parl /> Parliament received full control over all New Zealand affairs in 1947 with the passage of the [[Statute of Westminster Adoption Act 1947|Statute of Westminster Adoption Act]]. The [[debating chamber]] of the House of Representatives is located inside [[Parliament House, Wellington|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 broadcast through [[Parliament TV (New Zealand)|Parliament TV]] and the [[AM Network]].

==Constitutional function==
{{See also|Constitution of New Zealand}}
The New Zealand House of Representatives takes the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|British House of Commons]] as its model. The New Zealand Parliament is based, in practice, on the [[Westminster system]] (that is, the [[Parliamentary procedure|procedures]] of the British Parliament).<ref name="parl">{{cite web|title=Parliament Brief: What is Parliament?|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/how-parliament-works/fact-sheets/pbrief7/|publisher=New Zealand Parliament|access-date=19 December 2016}}</ref> 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|§ Passage of legislation]]'').<ref name="parl" />

The House of Representatives also plays an important role in [[responsible government]].<ref name="TeAra_business"/> The [[New Zealand Government]] (that is, the [[executive (government)|executive]]), directed by the Cabinet,<ref name="glossary" /> draws its membership exclusively from the House.<ref name="accountable">{{cite web|title=Parliament Brief: Government Accountability to the House|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/how-parliament-works/fact-sheets/pbrief1/|publisher=New Zealand Parliament|date=21 March 2014|access-date=12 November 2020|language=en}}</ref> 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 [[motion of no confidence|confidence votes]]. The [[Prime Minister of New Zealand|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 of New Zealand|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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Parties and Government|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/how-parliament-works/parliamentary-practice-in-new-zealand/chapter-8-parties-and-government/|publisher=New Zealand Parliament|access-date=21 February 2018|language=en}}</ref>

==Members and elections==
{{anchor|Members}}
The House of Representatives normally consists of 120 members, who bear the title "[[Member of parliament|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 of New Zealand|Dominion]], and even earlier as "Members of the General Assembly" (MGAs).{{sfn|Scholefield |1950|p=91}}

All MPs are democratically elected, and usually enter the House following a [[Elections in New Zealand|general election]].<!--Some are elected in by-elections; read on--> Once [[Oath of Allegiance (New Zealand)|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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parliament in Election Year |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/parliament-in-election-year/ |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=14 December 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Early general elections (sometimes termed "[[snap election]]s") are possible at the discretion of the prime minister,<ref>{{cite web |title=Muldoon calls snap election |url=https://nzhistory.govt.nz/snap-election-called |publisher=New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage |access-date=14 December 2018}}</ref> especially if a minority government is unable to retain the [[confidence and supply|confidence]] of the House. Members who change their party allegiance during a term—known as "[[waka-jumping]]"—may be expelled from the House.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McCulloch |first1=Craig |title=Waka-jumping bill passes into law after heated debate |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/367427/waka-jumping-bill-passes-into-law-after-heated-debate |access-date=10 August 2020 |work=[[RNZ]] |date=27 September 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Members may also be expelled in cases of criminal activity or other serious misconduct. Some expulsions have been challenged through the courts.<ref>{{Cite news |url= https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=3611622 |title=Awatere facing expulsion from Parliament after court decision|last=Taylor|first=Kevin|date=19 November 2004|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |access-date=10 August 2020}}</ref> [[Casual vacancy|Casual vacancies]] in [[New Zealand electorates|electorates]] are filled through [[List of New Zealand by-elections|by-election]]s; if a [[list MP|list member]]'s seat becomes vacant then the next available person on their party's list is [[List of appointments to the New Zealand House of Representatives|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'.<ref>{{cite web|title=List MPs standing in by-elections|url=http://www.elections.org.nz/sites/default/files/bulk-upload/documents/By-elections_submissions.pdf|publisher=MMPReview.org.nz|access-date=20 February 2018}}</ref>

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; unlike certain other countries,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Brazier |first1=Rodney |author1-link=Rodney Brazier |title=Constitutional Practice |page=209 |date=2001 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=0198298110 |edition=3rd}}</ref> bankruptcy is not grounds for disqualification from office.<ref>{{cite web |title=Part 1: Nomination of Candidates |url=https://www.elections.org.nz/becoming-candidate-election/part-1-nomination-candidates |publisher=[[Electoral Commission (New Zealand)|Electoral Commission New Zealand]] |access-date=24 February 2019 |language=en |date=11 May 2018}}</ref> [[Party list]] candidates are always nominated by political parties.

The annual salary of each MP has been $168,600 since October 2023,<ref name="salary_2023">{{Cite web |date=2024-04-30 |title=Members of Parliament and Prime Minister to get pay rise |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/515572/members-of-parliament-and-prime-minister-to-get-pay-rise |access-date=2025-02-26 |website=[[RNZ]]}}</ref> previously being $163,961 {{as of|since=yes|lc=yes|2021|07|post=,}} and 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 [[Civil List Act 1979#Part Three: Remuneration|Remuneration Authority]] determinations.<ref name="salary_2021">{{cite web |title=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) |url=https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2020/0327/latest/LMS438252.html#LMS438252 |website=www.legislation.govt.nz |publisher=Parliamentary Counsel Office |access-date=27 February 2022}}</ref> MPs' pay is rather more than double average weekly earnings, which in 2023 were $1,558 ($81,239 per annum).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Labour market statistics: September 2023 quarter |publisher= Stats NZ |url=https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/labour-market-statistics-september-2023-quarter/ |access-date=2025-02-26 |website=www.stats.govt.nz}}</ref> In 1930 it was said, "politics represent sacrifice to the best anti-Labour candidates", at a time when MPs were paid £550,<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 April 1930 |title=Party difficulties |work=New Zealand Herald |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19300401.2.96 |access-date=2025-02-26 |via=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> also a bit more than double the average male wage of £4 12s a week (£240 per annum).<ref>{{Cite web |title=The New Zealand Official Year-Book, 1933 |url=https://www3.stats.govt.nz/New_Zealand_Official_Yearbooks/1933/NZOYB_1933.html#idsect1_1_147205 |access-date=2025-02-26 |website=www3.stats.govt.nz}}</ref>

===Number of members===
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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Size of the House of Representatives: 120 or 99 MPs? |url=https://www.parliament.nz/resource/mi-nz/00PLLawRP99031/7260655698b68ee04eb12d92146f2cb3c024995e |access-date=13 June 2018 |page=1 |publisher=New Zealand Parliamentary Library |date=5 October 1999}}</ref> In 1996 numbers increased to at least 120 with the introduction of [[Mixed-member proportional representation|MMP]] elections (i.e. 120 plus any [[overhang seat]]s;<ref>{{cite web |title=Overhang |url=https://www.elections.org.nz/sites/default/files/bulk-upload/documents/Overhang.pdf |website=MMPReview.org.nz |publisher=[[Electoral Commission (New Zealand)|Electoral Commission New Zealand]]}}</ref> there has been at least one overhang seat in five of the 10 MMP elections held since 1996). The year in which each change in the number of members took effect is shown in the following table.

[[File:1860 Parliament.jpg|thumb|Montage of portraits depicting members of the House, the Serjeant-at-Arms, and the Clerk of the House, during the [[2nd New Zealand Parliament|Second Parliament]] in 1860]]

{| class="wikitable"
|-  style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
||'''Year'''
||'''Number of seats'''
|-
| 1854
| 37<ref>"[https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZSCSG18530312.2.8 Proclamation (from the ''Government Gazette'', March 10)]". ''New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian''. 12 March 1853. p. 3.</ref>
|-
| 1860
| 41<ref>[http://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/hist_act/eda185821a22v1858n55351/ Electoral Districts Act 1858]</ref>
|-
| 1861
| 53<ref>[http://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/hist_act/ra186024v1860n12306/ Representation Act 1860]</ref>
|-
| 1863
| 57<ref>[http://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/hist_act/ra186226v1862n11306/ Representation Act 1862]</ref>
|-
| 1866
| 70<ref>[http://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/hist_act/ra186529v1865n70306/ Representation Act 1865]</ref>
|-
| 1868
| 74<ref>[http://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/hist_act/mra186731v1867n47357/ Maori Representation Act 1867]</ref>
|-
| 1871
| 78<ref>[http://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/hist_act/ra187033a34v1870n15322/ Representation Act 1870]</ref>
|-
| 1876
| 88<ref>[http://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/hist_act/ra187539v1875n77306/ Representation Act 1875]</ref>
|-
| 1882
| 95<ref>[http://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/hist_act/ra188145v1881n14263/ Representation Act 1881]</ref>
|-
| 1891
| 74<ref>[http://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/hist_act/raaa188751v1887n23382/ Representation Acts Amendment Act 1887]</ref>
|-
| 1902
| 80<ref>[http://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/hist_act/ra190064v1900n44263/ Representation Act 1900]</ref>
|-
| 1970
| 84<sup>[[#numbernote1|1]]</sup>
|-
| 1973
| 87<sup>[[#numbernote1|1]]</sup>
|-
| 1976
| 92<sup>[[#numbernote1|2]]</sup>
|-
| 1984
| 95<sup>[[#numbernote1|2]]</sup>
|-
| 1987
| 97<sup>[[#numbernote1|2]]</sup>
|-
| 1993
| 99<sup>[[#numbernote1|2]]</sup>
|-
| 1996
| 120 + any [[overhang seat]]s<ref>[http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0087/latest/DLM307519.html?search=ta_act_E_ac%40ainf%40anif_an%40bn%40rn_25_a&p=1 Electoral Act 1993]</ref>
|}
{| border="0" cellpadding="2"
|-
|'''Table notes'''
<sup id="numbernote1">1</sup> 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.<ref>[http://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/hist_act/eaa19651965n17210/ Electoral Amendment Act 1965]</ref>

<sup id="numbernote1">2</sup> 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.<ref>[http://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/hist_act/eaa19751975n28210/ Electoral Amendment Act 1975]</ref>
|}

===Electoral system===
{{Main|Electoral system of New Zealand|Voting in New Zealand}}
[[File:New Zealand MMP voting paper.jpg|thumb|Example of a House of Representatives ballot paper used in MMP elections]]
Voting is not [[compulsory voting|compulsory]], but [[voter turnout]] is high compared to other democratic countries.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Zealand |url=https://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/new-zealand/ |website=OECD Better Life Index |publisher=Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development |access-date=5 March 2022 |quote=Voter turnout ... was 82% during recent elections, higher than the OECD average of 69%.}}</ref> [[Universal suffrage]] exists for those 18 or older; New Zealand citizens and others who are [[New Zealand permanent residency|permanently residing]] in New Zealand are usually eligible to vote.<ref>{{cite web |title=Who can and can't enrol? |url=https://www.elections.org.nz/voters/enrol-check-or-update-now/who-can-and-cant-enrol |publisher=[[Electoral Commission (New Zealand)|Electoral Commission New Zealand]] |access-date=14 December 2018 |date=1 August 2016 |quote=…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.}}</ref> New Zealand was the first self-governing nation [[Women's suffrage in New Zealand|to enfranchise women]], starting from the {{NZ election link|1893}}.<ref>Else, Anne; ed. (1993). ''Women Together A History of Women's Organizations in New Zealand''. Wellington: Daphne Brasell.</ref> There are a few disqualifications; for example, mentally-impaired persons detained in hospital and [[voting rights of prisoners in New Zealand|prisoners sentenced to a term of over three years]] are ineligible to vote.<ref>{{cite web |title=Electoral Act 1993 No 87 (as at 28 October 2021), Public Act |at=80 Disqualifications for registration|url=https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0087/latest/DLM308839.html |website=www.legislation.govt.nz |publisher=Parliamentary Counsel Office}}</ref>

Parliamentary elections are conducted by [[secret ballot]]—for European New Zealanders since {{NZ election link year|1871}}<ref>{{cite web |title=The Secret Ballot |url=https://www.elections.org.nz/election-day-through-years/secret-ballot |publisher=Electoral Commission New Zealand |date=15 February 2013 |access-date=14 December 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Maori and the vote">{{cite news|url=https://nzhistory.govt.nz/page/change-20th-century |title=Change in the 20th century |publisher=New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage |date=12 July 2016 |access-date=14 December 2018}}</ref> and Māori seats since {{NZ election link year|1938}}.<ref name="Maori and the vote"/> Almost all general elections between {{NZ election link year|1853}} and {{NZ election link year|1993}} were held under the [[first-past-the-post voting]] system,<ref name="road">{{cite news|title=First past the post – the road to MMP|url=https://nzhistory.govt.nz/politics/fpp-to-mmp/first-past-the-post|publisher=[[New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage]]|date=13 January 2016 |access-date=14 December 2018}}</ref> with the exception of the [[1908 New Zealand general election|1908]] and [[1911 New Zealand general election|1911]] elections, which used a [[two-round system]]. Since {{NZ election link year|1996}}, a form of [[proportional representation]] called [[mixed-member proportional]] (MMP) has been used.<ref>{{cite web|title=New Zealand's Change to MMP |url=http://aceproject.org/main/english/ei/eiy_nz01.htm |website=aceproject.org |publisher=ACE Electoral Knowledge Network |access-date=24 June 2017 |language=en}}</ref> Under the MMP system each person has two votes; one is for electorate seats (including some [[Māori electorates|reserved for Māori]]),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elections.org.nz/elections/electorates/reviewing-electorates.html |title=Reviewing electorate numbers and boundaries |publisher=Electoral Commission New Zealand |date=8 May 2005 |access-date=23 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111109013802/http://www.elections.org.nz/elections/electorates/reviewing-electorates.html |archive-date=9 November 2011 }}</ref> and the other is for a party. {{as of|2020|alt=Currently}} there are 72 electorate seats (which includes seven Māori electorates),<ref>{{cite web |title=Number of electorates and electoral populations: 2018 Census |url=https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/number-of-electorates-and-electoral-populations-2018-census |website=www.stats.govt.nz |publisher=Statistics New Zealand |access-date=5 November 2020 |date=23 September 2019}}</ref> and the remaining 48 seats are apportioned (from [[Electoral list|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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.elections.org.nz/voting-system/mmp-voting-system/sainte-lagu%C3%AB-allocation-formula |title=Sainte-Laguë allocation formula |publisher=Electoral Commission |date=4 February 2013 |access-date=31 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914170452/http://www.elections.org.nz/voting-system/mmp-voting-system/sainte-lagu%C3%AB-allocation-formula |archive-date=14 September 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> After the introduction of proportional representation, no single party won an outright majority<ref>{{cite web|title=Kiwi PM Jacinda Ardern will be world's youngest female leader|url=http://www.smh.com.au/world/kiwi-pm-jacinda-ardern-will-be-worlds-youngest-female-leader-20171020-gz4yoo.html|website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=20 October 2017 |publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=20 October 2017}}</ref> until the [[2020 New Zealand general election|2020 election]] when Prime Minister [[Jacinda Ardern]] led the Labour Party to win 65 of the 120 seats.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-10-17|title=New Zealand election: Jacinda Ardern's Labour Party scores landslide win|language=en-GB|work=[[BBC News]] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-54519628|access-date=2020-10-17}}</ref>

===Last election and current composition===
The [[2023 New Zealand general election|2023 general election]] was the most recent, and the [[54th New Zealand Parliament]] first sat on 5 December 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Writ returned to Clerk of the House |url= https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/parliament-in-election-year/writ-returned-to-clerk-of-the-house/ |website=www.parliament.nz |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=27 November 2023}}</ref> It consists of 123 members, representing six parliamentary parties.<ref>{{cite web |title=Members of Parliament |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/members-of-parliament/ |website=www.parliament.nz |publisher=[[New Zealand Parliament]] |access-date=27 November 2023}}</ref> Of these current MPs, 54 ({{Percentage|54|123|1}}) are women—the second-highest number since women were first allowed to stand for Parliament in {{NZ election link year|1919}},<ref>{{cite web|url=https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/301002369/whos-representing-you-record-for-mori-mps-but-fewer-women-in-parliament |title=Who's representing you? Record for Māori MPs, but fewer women in Parliament |access-date=27 November 2023}}</ref> after the high of 61 ({{Percentage|61|120|1}}) achieved during the term of the [[53rd New Zealand Parliament|53rd parliament]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Women members of the New Zealand Parliament, 1933 onwards |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/mps-and-parliaments-1854-onwards/women-members-of-the-new-zealand-parliament-1933-onwards/ |website=www.parliament.nz |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=25 November 2020 |date=9 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Election 2020: 'Historical high' – New Zealand Parliament readies for more diversity |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/428672/election-2020-historical-high-new-zealand-parliament-readies-for-more-diversity |access-date=25 November 2020 |work=[[RNZ]] |date=19 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Whyte |first=Anna |title=Women outnumber men in Parliament for first time, as new MP Soraya Peke-Mason sworn in |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/130271900/women-outnumber-men-in-parliament-for-first-time-as-new-mp-soraya-pekemason-sworn-in |access-date=25 October 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=25 October 2022}}</ref>

Based on British tradition, the longest continuously serving member in the House holds the unofficial title "[[Father of the House (New Zealand)|father [or mother] of the House]]".{{sfn|Wilson|1985|p=194}} The current Father of the House is [[Gerry Brownlee]], the current speaker, who has served continuously since {{NZ election link year|1996}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Members of Parliament – Longest, shortest, oldest, youngest |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/mps-and-parliaments-1854-onwards/members-of-parliament-longest-shortest-oldest-youngest/ |website=www.parliament.nz |publisher=[[New Zealand Parliament]] |access-date=25 October 2022 |language=en}}</ref> He inherited the title following the departure of former speaker [[Trevor Mallard]], who had served in the House since {{NZ election link year|1993}}.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nielson |first1=Michael |title=Former Speaker and Labour MP Trevor Mallard delivers final speech in the House |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/labour-mp-former-speaker-trevor-mallard-to-deliver-final-speech-in-the-house/OE64WI5KRNBWW7LQVCBTGQR534/ |access-date=25 October 2022 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=20 October 2022 |language=en-NZ}}</ref>

{{transcluded section|Results of the 2023 New Zealand general election}}
{{#section:Results of the 2023 New Zealand general election|Results}}

==Officials and officers==
{{See also|Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives|Parliamentary Counsel Office (New Zealand)}}
[[File:BROWNLEE, Gerry - List (cropped).png|thumb|upright|left|[[Gerry Brownlee]] is the current [[Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives|Speaker of the House]]]]
The House of Representatives elects one of its members as a presiding officer, known as the [[Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives|speaker of the House]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Office of the Speaker|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/how-parliament-works/office-of-the-speaker/|publisher=New Zealand Parliament|access-date=19 December 2016}}</ref> 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 [[Rules of order|Standing Orders]]),<ref>{{cite web|title=Rules of the House|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/parliamentary-rules/rules-of-the-house/|publisher=New Zealand Parliament|access-date=13 May 2017|language=en}}</ref> and oversee procedures and the day-to-day operation of the chamber. The speaker responds to [[point of order|points of order]] from other members of the House.<ref name="glossary" /> When presiding, the speaker is obliged to remain impartial.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Speaker in history |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/how-parliament-works/fact-sheets/the-speaker-in-history/ |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=14 December 2018 |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Supporting the Speaker|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/how-parliament-works/office-of-the-speaker/supporting-the-speaker/|publisher=New Zealand Parliament|access-date=13 May 2017|language=en}}</ref>

[[File:New Zealand House of Representatives debating chamber.jpg|thumb|The debating chamber of the House of Representatives; the speaker's chair is at the rear and centre in the room.]]
Several [[Political parties in New Zealand|political party]]-based roles are filled by elected MPs.<ref name="people">{{cite web|title=People in Parliament|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/how-parliament-works/people-in-parliament/|publisher=New Zealand Parliament|access-date=13 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101100902/https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/how-parliament-works/people-in-parliament/|archive-date=1 November 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Prime Minister of New Zealand|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 Opposition (New Zealand)|leader of the Official Opposition]] is the MP who leads the largest opposition party. The [[Leader of the House (New Zealand)|leader of the House]] is an MP appointed by the prime minister to arrange government business and the legislative programme of Parliament.<ref name="people" /> [[Party whip (New Zealand)|Whips]] (called musterers by the Green Party<ref>{{cite news |title=The Musterer Replaces Whips in the Green Party {{!}} Scoop News |url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9912/S00048.htm |access-date=20 February 2019 |work=[[Scoop.co.nz]] |date=14 December 1999}}</ref>) 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.<ref name="people" /><ref name="Martin">{{cite encyclopedia|last1=Martin|first1=John E.|title=Parliament – How Parliament works|url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/parliament/page-2|encyclopedia=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |date=1 February 2015|access-date=14 May 2017}}</ref> 

Officers of the House who are not MPs include the [[Clerk of the New Zealand House of Representatives|clerk of the House]], the deputy clerk, the [[Parliamentary counsel|chief parliamentary counsel]] (a lawyer who helps to draft bills), and several other junior clerks. These are [[non-partisan]] roles.<ref name="Martin"/> The most senior of these officers is the clerk of the House, who is responsible for several key administrative tasks,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Phil |title=Oiling the democratic machine |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/the-house/audio/2018841810/oiling-the-democratic-machine |access-date=26 May 2022 |work=[[RNZ]] |date=15 May 2022 |language=en-nz}}</ref> such as "advising members on the rules, practices and customs of the House".<ref name="people" />

Another important officer is the [[serjeant-at-arms]],<ref name="people" /> 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.<ref name="seating" /> The serjeant-at-arms is also the custodian of the [[ceremonial mace|mace]], and bears the mace into and out of the chamber of the House at the beginning and end of each sitting day.<ref name="mace">{{cite web|title=What is the significance of the mace?|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/get-involved/features-pre-2016/document/00NZPHomeNews120320091/what-is-the-significance-of-the-mace|publisher=New Zealand Parliament|access-date=13 May 2017|language=en}}</ref>

==Procedure==
[[File:Opening of 29th NZ Parliament.jpg|thumb|The mace is carried into Parliament by the Serjeant-at-Arms during the Opening of the [[29th New Zealand Parliament|29th Parliament]], 1950]]
The House of Representatives usually sits Tuesday to Thursday when in session.<ref>{{cite book|title=Standing Orders |chapter=Chapter 2: Sittings of the House |chapter-url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/parliamentary-rules/standing-orders-2020-by-chapter/chapter-2-sittings-of-the-house/ |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/parliamentary-rules/standing-orders-2020-by-chapter/c |language=en-NZ |date=23 October 2020 |at=46 |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=26 May 2022}}</ref> The House meets in the [[debating chamber]] located inside [[Parliament House, Wellington]]. The layout is similar to the design of the chamber of the [[British House of Commons]].<ref>{{cite web|title=How Parliament works|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/how-parliament-works/|publisher=New Zealand Parliament|access-date=13 May 2017|language=en}}</ref>
The seats and desks are arranged in rows in a horseshoe pattern.<ref name="seating">{{cite web|title=Where MPs sit in the House|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/get-involved/features-pre-2016/document/00NZPHomeNews201410221/where-mps-sit-in-the-house|publisher=New Zealand Parliament|access-date=20 December 2016|date=22 October 2014}}</ref>
The speaker of the House sits in a raised chair at the open end of the horseshoe, giving them a clear view of proceedings. In front of the chair is a table, on which rests a [[ceremonial mace#New Zealand|mace]]. MPs cannot lawfully meet without the mace, a formal symbol of the authority of the House, being present in the chamber.<ref name="mace" /> (The current mace has been used since 7 October 1909, and is a replica of the one in the British House of Commons.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parliament's mace is 100 years old |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/get-involved/features-pre-2016/document/00NZPHomeNews071020091/parliament-s-mace-is-100-years-old |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308135128/https://www.parliament.nz/en/get-involved/features-pre-2016/document/00NZPHomeNews071020091/parliament-s-mace-is-100-years-old |archive-date=8 March 2021 |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=24 February 2019 |language=en |date=12 October 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref>)

[[File:NZ House of Representatives seating infographic.png|thumb|left|upright=1.25|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.<ref name="people" /> Members of the Government occupy the seats on the speaker's right, while members of the [[Official Opposition (New Zealand)|Official Opposition]] sit on the speaker's left. Members are assigned seating on the basis of the seniority in a party caucus; [[Ministers in the New Zealand Government|ministers]] sit around the prime minister, who is traditionally assigned the fourth seat along the front row on the speaker's right.<ref>{{cite web|title=People of Parliament|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/parliament-in-election-year/people-of-parliament/|publisher=New Zealand Parliament|access-date=28 February 2018|language=en|date=29 June 2017}}</ref> 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]]".<ref name="glossary">{{cite web|title=Glossary of terms|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/how-parliament-works/glossary/|publisher=New Zealand Parliament|access-date=13 May 2017}}</ref> A backbencher may still be subject to [[party discipline]] (called "[[Whip (politics)|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.<ref>{{cite web|title=What is a party whip and what do they do?|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/get-involved/features-pre-2016/document/00NZPHomeNews201306271/what-is-a-party-whip-and-what-do-they-do|publisher=New Zealand Parliament|access-date=21 February 2018|language=en|date=27 June 2013}}</ref> Members from parties that are not openly aligned with either the Government or the Official Opposition are sometimes referred to as "[[Crossbencher#New Zealand|crossbenchers]]".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/18/new-zealand-vote-strangest-dirtiest-election-campaign|work=[[The Guardian]]|title=New Zealand prepares to vote after 'strangest, dirtiest' election campaign|date=18 September 2014}}</ref>

===Debates and votes===
Members have the option of addressing the House in English, [[Māori language|Te Reo Māori]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Parliament in te reo|url=https://nzhistory.govt.nz/politics/the-work-of-government/history-of-parliament/parliament-in-te-reo|publisher=New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage|access-date=13 May 2017}}</ref> or [[New Zealand Sign Language]] (with an interpreter provided).<ref name="debate">{{cite web |title=Chapter 16 Debate |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/how-parliament-works/parliamentary-practice-in-new-zealand/chapter-16-debate |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=21 February 2019 |language=en}}</ref> Speeches are addressed to the presiding officer, using the words 'Mister Speaker', if a man, or 'Madam Speaker', if a woman.<ref>{{citation|title=Parliamentary Debates|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ppQLAQAAIAAJ|volume=329|publisher=New Zealand Parliament|access-date=7 March 2018}}</ref> 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.<ref name="debate"/> The speaker can "[[Naming (parliamentary procedure)|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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Naming and Suspension of Member|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/47HansD_20030501_00001088/naming-and-suspension-of-member|publisher=New Zealand Parliament|access-date=13 May 2017|language=en}}</ref>

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 (parliamentary procedure)|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.<ref name="SO_ch3">{{cite book|title=Standing Orders |chapter=Chapter 3: General procedures |chapter-url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/parliamentary-rules/standing-orders-2020-by-chapter/chapter-3-general-procedures/ |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/parliamentary-rules/standing-orders-2020-by-chapter/ |language=en-NZ |date=23 October 2020 |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=26 May 2022}}</ref> The limits depend on the nature of the motion, but are most commonly between 10 and 20 minutes. However, under certain circumstances, the prime minister and other [[parliamentary leader|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".<ref name="SO_ch3"/>

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).<ref name="Martin" /> 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 of the assembly|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.<ref name="NZHR-vote">{{cite web |url= http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/Features/b/0/0/00NZPHomeNews061120091-Voting-in-the-House-of-Representatives.htm |title= Voting in the House of Representatives |publisher= New Zealand Parliament |date= 6 November 2009 |access-date= 30 August 2012 |archive-date= 4 June 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100604230314/http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/Features/b/0/0/00NZPHomeNews061120091-Voting-in-the-House-of-Representatives.htm |url-status= dead }}</ref> 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 [[Teller (elections)|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.<ref name="SO_ch3"/>

[[File:Parliament in Session, Wellington, 1966.jpg|thumb|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 [[Question time#New Zealand|questions]] to be asked of ministers and select committee chairs.<ref name="TeAra_business">{{cite encyclopedia |last1=Martin |first1=John E. |title=Parliament – The business of government |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/parliament/page-4 |encyclopedia=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |access-date=9 March 2022 |date=1 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Question time in the House|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/get-involved/features-pre-2016/document/00NZPHomeNews201210161/question-time-in-the-house|publisher=New Zealand Parliament|access-date=3 July 2017|language=en|date=16 October 2012|archive-date=28 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228100637/https://www.parliament.nz/en/get-involved/features-pre-2016/document/00NZPHomeNews201210161/question-time-in-the-house|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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.<ref name="TeAra_business"/> 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)|''Parliamentary Debates'' (Hansard)]].<ref name="TeAra_business"/>

==Passage of legislation==
Most parliamentary business is about making new laws and amending old laws. The House examines and amends [[bill (law)|bills]]—the title given to a proposed piece of legislation while under consideration by the House—in several formal stages.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chapter 7 Parties and Government|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/document/00HOOOCPPNZ_71|website=www.parliament.nz|publisher=New Zealand Parliament|access-date=23 November 2017|language=en|date=14 October 2010}}</ref> The term for these stages is "[[Reading (legislature)|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 [[Enactment of a bill|enacted]] and becomes an [[act of Parliament]],<ref>{{cite web |title=How a bill becomes law |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/how-parliament-works/how-laws-are-made/how-a-bill-becomes-law/ |website=www.parliament.nz |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=19 June 2019 |language=en}}</ref> forming part of [[Law of New Zealand|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 of New Zealand|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 bill]]s (including those bills giving effect to the [[New Zealand Budget|budget]]).<ref>{{cite web |title=Guide to the Budget process |url=https://treasury.govt.nz/publications/guide/guide-budget-process |website=treasury.govt.nz |publisher=[[New Zealand Treasury]] |access-date=19 June 2019 |language=en |date=17 May 2018}}</ref> It is rare for [[Government bill (law)|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/AboutParl/HowPWorks/PPNZ/8/0/d/00HOOOCPPNZ_71-Chapter-7-Parties-and-Government.htm |title=New Zealand Parliament – Chapter 7 Parties and Government |access-date=9 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115002636/http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/AboutParl/HowPWorks/PPNZ/8/0/d/00HOOOCPPNZ_71-Chapter-7-Parties-and-Government.htm |archive-date=15 January 2012 }}</ref>

Individual MPs who are not ministers may propose their own bills, called [[private member's bill#New Zealand|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. At any time, there are eight members bills awaiting their first reading, and when space becomes available, new member's bills are selected by ballot to be introduced. The ballet is conducted by drawing numbered counters out of a [[biscuit tin]], giving the whole member's bill process the nickname "democracy by biscuit tin".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Graham-McLay |first=Charlotte |date=2019-12-17 |title=Biscuit tin democracy: the humble start of New Zealand's most progressive laws |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/17/biscuit-tin-democracy-the-humble-start-of-new-zealands-most-progressive-laws |access-date=2020-07-23 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-09-05 |title=The House: Biscuit tin gamble |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/the-house/audio/2018661248/biscuit-tin-gamble |access-date=2020-07-23 |website=[[RNZ]] |language=en-nz}}</ref> Local government and private individuals may also propose legislation to be introduced by an MP.<ref>{{cite web |title=Private bills and local bills |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/document/00HOHPBReferenceStOrdersAppendixCAPrivate1 |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |date=28 November 2011}}</ref>

[[Proxy voting]] is allowed, in which members may designate a party or another member to vote on their behalf. An excuse is required.<ref name="SO_ch3"/>

===First reading===
The first stage of the process is the first reading.<ref>{{cite book|title=Standing Orders |chapter=Chapter 5: Legislative procedures |chapter-url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/parliamentary-rules/standing-orders-2020-by-chapter/chapter-5-legislative-procedures/|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/parliamentary-rules/standing-orders-2020-by-chapter/ |at=293 |language=en-NZ |date=23 October 2020 |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=26 May 2022}}</ref> The member introducing the bill (often a minister) will give a detailed speech on the bill as a whole. Debate on the bill lasts about two hours for government bills and one hour for other members' bills,<ref name="Parliament_Brief">{{cite web |title=Parliament Brief: The legislative process |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/how-parliament-works/fact-sheets/parliament-brief-the-legislative-process/ |website=www.parliament.nz |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=26 May 2022 |language=en-NZ |date=25 May 2020}}</ref> with 12 MPs making ten-minute speeches on the bill's general principles.<ref name="Appendix_A">{{cite book|title=Standing Orders |chapter=Appendix A: Time limits for speeches and debates |chapter-url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/parliamentary-rules/standing-orders-2020-by-chapter/appendix-a-time-limits-for-speeches-and-debates/|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/parliamentary-rules/standing-orders-2020-by-chapter/ |at=293 |language=en-NZ |date=23 October 2020 |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=26 May 2022}}</ref> Speaking slots are allocated based on the size of each party, with different parties using different methods to distribute their slots among their members.<ref name="SO_ch3"/>

The member introducing the bill will generally make a recommendation that the bill be considered by an appropriate select committee (''see {{section link||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.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Mcleay |first1=Elizabeth |title=Parliamentary Committees in New Zealand: A house continuously reforming itself? |journal=Australasian Parliamentary Review |date=Spring 2001 |volume=16 |issue=2 |pages=121–139 |s2cid=151012561 |language=en |issn=1447-9125}}</ref>

Prior to the first reading, the [[Attorney-General of New Zealand|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.<ref>{{cite web|title=New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 {{!}} The Legislation Design and Advisory Committee|url=http://www.ldac.org.nz/guidelines/lac-revised-guidelines/chapter-5/|publisher=New Zealand Legislation Design and Advisory Committee|access-date=13 May 2017|language=en}}</ref>

===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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Presenting a submission to a Select Committee |url=https://www.myd.govt.nz/documents/resources-and-reports/publications/aotearoa-youth-voices-toolkit/msd-14898-yv-toolkit-ag-psscp-web.pdf |website=myd.govt.nz |access-date=26 May 2022}}</ref> 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 (politics)|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.<ref>{{cite book|title=Standing Orders |chapter=Chapter 5: Legislative procedures |chapter-url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/parliamentary-rules/standing-orders-2020-by-chapter/chapter-5-legislative-procedures/|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/parliamentary-rules/standing-orders-2020-by-chapter/ |at=295 Time for Report |language=en-NZ |date=23 October 2020 |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=26 May 2022}}</ref>

===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).<ref name="Parliament_Brief"/>

The Government (usually through the [[Minister of Finance (New Zealand)|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.<ref name="Financial veto">{{cite web |title=Financial Veto certificates explained |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/get-involved/features/financial-veto-certificates-explained/ |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=25 February 2019 |language=en |date=29 June 2016}}</ref> 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,<ref name="Financial veto"/> 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|committee of the whole House]].<ref name="SO_ch3"/>

===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.<ref name="SO_ch3"/>

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 an Amendment Paper (known as Supplementary Order Papers prior to the 54th Parliament);<ref>{{cite web |title=New Zealand Supplementary Order Papers |url=http://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/sop/ |website=www.nzlii.org |access-date=26 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 December 2023 |title=Supplementary Order Papers now called "Amendment Papers" |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/get-involved/features/supplementary-order-papers-now-called-amendment-papers/ |website=New Zealand Parliament}}</ref> this is common for amendments proposed by government ministers. Some Amendment Papers are very extensive, and, if agreed to, can result in major amendments to bills. On rare occasions, Amendment Papers are referred to select committees for comment.{{citation needed|date=March 2022}}

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|date=May 2022}} 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 amendment]]s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Motions and Amendments |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/how-parliament-works/parliamentary-practice-in-new-zealand/chapter-15-motions-and-amendments/ |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=20 December 2018 |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Appendix_A"/> 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Royal Assent |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/get-involved/features-pre-2016/document/00NZPHomeNews031220091/the-royal-assent |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=15 December 2018 |date=3 December 2009 |archive-date=16 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816231939/https://www.parliament.nz/en/get-involved/features-pre-2016/document/00NZPHomeNews031220091/the-royal-assent |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Committees==
{{Main|New Zealand House of Representatives committees}}
[[File:NZ House of Representatives Select Committee.jpg|thumb|A select committee hearing in action during the [[49th New Zealand Parliament|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.<ref name="select committees">{{cite web |title=About select committees |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/get-involved/features/about-select-committees/ |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=14 December 2018 |language=en |date=17 October 2017}}</ref> There are 12 subject select committees, which scrutinise and amend bills.<ref>{{cite web |title=List of select committees |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/scl/ |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=25 February 2019 |language=en}}</ref> They can call for submissions from the public,<ref>{{cite web |title=Submissions and Advice |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/submissions-and-advice/ |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=14 December 2018 |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ganley |first1=Marcus |title=Select Committees and their Role in Keeping Parliament Relevant: Do New Zealand select committees make a difference? |url=https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/aspg/documents/aspg_09.pdf |publisher=Department of Political Studies, University of Western Australia |access-date=14 December 2018}}</ref>

Each committee has between six and twelve members—including a chairperson and deputy chairperson<ref>{{cite web |title=Chapter 4: Select Committees |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/parliamentary-rules/standing-orders-2017-by-chapter/chapter-4-select-committees/ |work=Standing Orders |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=14 December 2018 |language=en |date=2017}}</ref>—with parties broadly represented in proportion to party membership in the House.<ref name="select committees"/> 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Business |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/scl/business/ |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=25 February 2019 |language=en}}</ref>

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

==History==
===Māori representation===
{{Main|Māori electorates}}
New Zealand had representatives of the [[indigenous population]] in its parliament from an early date compared to many other colonial states. Reserved Māori seats were created in 1867 during the term of the [[4th New Zealand Parliament|4th Parliament]];<ref name="McIntyre2012">{{cite encyclopedia |last=McIntyre |first=W. David |title=Self-government and independence – Constitution Act 1852 |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/self-government-and-independence/page-2 |encyclopedia=Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand |access-date=2 July 2018 |date=20 June 2012}}</ref> Māori men aged 21 and over, whether or not they owned property, could vote to elect four Māori members of the House of Representatives.<ref name="Martin 2015">{{cite encyclopedia |last=Martin |first=John E. |title=Parliament – Evolution of Parliament, 19th century |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/parliament/page-6 |encyclopedia=Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand |access-date=2 July 2018 |date=1 February 2015}}</ref> The seats were initially intended to be temporary whilst common Māori land was broken up that would allow Māori to vote in regular seats as individual land owners. However this process was resisted and the seats became permanent in 1876.<ref name=setting-maori>{{Cite web |title=Setting up the Māori seats |date=22 November 2024 |url=https://nzhistory.govt.nz/page/setting-maori-seats |access-date= |website=New Zealand History}}</ref> 

All Māori gained the right to vote in general electorates, along with all women, in 1893. Māori alone can vote in the Māori electorates that have existed since 1867. They may choose to enrol to vote and stand as candidates in these electorates or in the general electorates.<ref name=setting-maori /> In 2002, the seats increased in number to seven determined by the numbers on the Māori electoral roll.<ref>{{Cite web |date= 23 October 2024 |title= The mathematics of electorate allocation in New Zealand based on the outcome of the 2023 Census and Māori Electoral Option |url= https://www.stats.govt.nz/methods/the-mathematics-of-electorate-allocation-in-new-zealand-based-on-the-outcome-of-the-2023-census-and-Māori-electoral-option/ |publisher= Statistics New Zealand }}{{Dead link|date=October 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref>

According to Statistics New Zealand, as of 2023, 598,360 New Zealanders over the age of 18 identified as Māori. Of these 297,589 opted to vote in the Māori electorates.<ref>{{cite web |date= 16 May 2025 |title= Table: Maori Ethnic Group Estimated Resident Population by Age and Sex (1991+) (Annual-Jun) |url= https://infoshare.stats.govt.nz/ViewTable.aspx?pxID=15350e29-f8fc-4c33-b617-66206bc0441d |publisher= Statistics New Zealand}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://elections.nz/stats-and-research/enrolment-statistics/enrolment-by-maori-electorate/ |title= Enrolment by Māori electorate |publisher= Electoral Commission }}</ref> In 2023, of the total of 123 members of Parliament, there were 33 Māori MPs representing all political parties. Of the six parties in Parliament in 2025 four are led or co-led by Māori. Two of these leaders are sharing the role of deputy prime minister in the 2023–2026 Parliament.<ref>{{cite web |title= Māori People Today |url= https://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/maori-people-today/ |publisher= NewZealand.com }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= Record number of Māori MPs elected to New Zealand Parliament |date= 15 December 2023 |url= https://www.parliament.nz/en/get-involved/features/record-number-of-maori-mps-elected-to-new-zealand-parliament/ |publisher= New Zealand Parliament }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= Members of Parliament |url= https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/members-of-parliament/?PrimaryFilter=Role&SecondaryFilter=leader |publisher= New Zealand Parliament }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first= Craig |last=McCulloch | title= Deputy PM handover: Seymour vows straight talk, Peters fires up campaign | date= 30 May 2025 | url= https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/562595/deputy-pm-handover-seymour-vows-straight-talk-peters-fires-up-campaign | publisher= Radio New Zealand }}</ref>

[[File:NZ House of Representatives, ca 1900-1902.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.25|Chamber of the House of Representatives, {{circa|1900–1902}}]]

The first Māori elected were [[Frederick Nene Russell]], [[Mete Kīngi Paetahi|Mete Kingi Te Rangi Paetahi]], [[Tāreha Te Moananui]] and [[John Patterson (Southern Maori politician)|John Patterson]], who took their places in the House in 1868. Other notable Māori members of Parliament<ref>{{cite web |title= Māori MPs |website=NZHistory |date= 27 November 2023 |url= https://nzhistory.govt.nz/politics/parliaments-people/Māori-mps |publisher= Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage}}</ref> have been Sir [[James Carroll (New Zealand politician)|James Carroll]], [[Āpirana Ngata]], and [[Matiu Rata]]. Carroll, of Ngāti Kahungunu, held the Eastern Māori seat from 1887 to 1893 and the general electorate seat of Gisborne from 1908 to 1919. He was acting prime minister in 1909 and 1911.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |date= 1993 |first= Alan |last=Ward |title= Carroll, James |encyclopedia= Dictionary of New Zealand Biography |url= https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/2c10/carroll-james |publisher= Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand |access-date= 27 July 2025 }}</ref> 

Āpirana Ngata, of Ngāti Porou, was the first Māori to graduate from a New Zealand university. He was a leading figure in the Young Māori Party, which advocated participation in mainstream New Zealand politics. During the first and second world wars Ngata supported Māori taking part, stating that "British sovereignty was accepted by our forefathers and it has given the Māori people rights which they would not have been accorded under any conqueror."<ref>{{cite web |title= Photos: Apirana Ngata |website=NZHistory |date= 1 May 2020 |url= https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/apirana-ngata |publisher= Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage }}</ref> He was knighted in 1927 and was a very active cabinet minister promoting Māori land development and the revival of Māori art and culture.<ref>{{cite web |date= 20 July 2020 |title= Apirana Ngata |url= https://nzhistory.govt.nz/people/apirana-turupa-ngata |publisher= Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage }}</ref>

Matiu Rata (Ngāti Kurī, Te Aupōuri, and Ngāti Whātua) was elected in 1963 and served until 1980, holding a ministerial portfolio from 1972 to 1975. He advocated for the national recognition of Waitangi Day, for workers' and union rights, and the return of Māori land. In 1972 Rata sailed with a peace flotilla to protest the French nuclear tests in the south Pacific. Rata's major legacy was the Waitangi Tribunal to redress confiscations of Māori land and other historical injustices. As of January 2023 $2.6 billion has been awarded in settlements along with the transfer of ownership of lake and river beds, fishing rights, and  just over a quarter of a million hectares of land.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |first= Tiopira |last=McDowell |date= 2020 |title= Rata, Matiu Waitai |encyclopedia= Dictionary of New Zealand Biography |url= https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/6r7/rata-matiu-waitai |access-date= 28 July 2025 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://tetai.nz/en/ |title= Te Tai Treaty Settlement Stories |publisher= Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= Te Tira Kurapounamu – Treaty Settlements |url= https://whakatau.govt.nz/te-tira-kurapounamu-treaty-settlements/ |publisher= Office of Treaty Settlements }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date= September 2022 |first= Arielle Kauaeroa |last=Monk |title= Inside the Land March |url= https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/inside-the-land-march |work= New Zealand Geographic}}</ref>

===Party politics===
Until the 1890s MPs were all independent, although they often grouped themselves into loose factions. Some of the factions were occasionally referred to as "parties", but were vague and ill-defined. Factions formed around a number of different views – at one time, centralism and provincialism were the basis, at another time it was geographical region. Towards the 1880s, factions had gradually become stabilised along lines of [[liberalism]] and [[conservatism]], although the line between the two was by no means certain.{{sfn|Sinclair|Dalziel|2000|pp=169–176}}{{sfn|King|2003|pp=259–261}}

The [[New Zealand Liberal Party]] was established as the first formal [[List of political parties in New Zealand|New Zealand political party]] in 1891, after which "political power shifted from the House of Representatives to elections, parties and leaders."<ref name="structural changes"/> The conservative [[Reform Party (New Zealand)|Reform Party]] was formed in 1909, and the [[New Zealand Labour Party]] in 1916. The [[New Zealand National Party]] emerged in 1936 from the amalgamation of Reform and a remnant of the Liberals, the [[United Party (New Zealand)|United Party]].<ref name="structural changes">{{cite encyclopedia |last= Martin |first= John E. |title= Parliament – Structural changes, 1890s to 1950s |url= https://teara.govt.nz/en/parliament/page-7 |encyclopedia= Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand |date=1 February 2015 |access-date=2 July 2018 }}</ref>

===Country quota===
One historical speciality of the electoral system was the [[country quota]], which gave greater representation to rural politics. From 1889 on (and even earlier in more informal forms), districts were weighted according to their urban/rural split (with any locality of less than 2,000 people considered rural). Those districts which had large rural proportions received a greater number of nominal votes than they actually contained voters – as an example, in 1927, [[Waipawa]], a district without any urban population at all, received an additional 4,153 nominal votes to its actual 14,838 – having the maximum factor of 28% extra representation. The country quota was abolished in 1945 by a mostly urban-elected [[First Labour Government of New Zealand|Labour government]], which switched to a [[one person, one vote|one-vote-per-person]] system.<ref name="NZHA90">{{cite book |editor-last=McKinnon |editor-first=Malcolm |title = New Zealand Historical Atlas |year=1997 |publisher=David Bateman |at=Plate 90 }}</ref>

===Women MPs and children===
[[Whetu Tirikatene-Sullivan]] was the longest-serving female MP (1967–1996) and the first MP to give birth while in office. [[Ruth Richardson]] was the first MP to bring her baby into the debating chamber, while [[Katherine Rich]] was the first to feed her baby in the House. During the 1990s, a childcare centre was established for the children of MPs and parliamentary staff.<ref name="family friendly">{{cite web |title=Parliament becoming more family-friendly |url= https://www.parliament.nz/en/get-involved/features/parliament-becoming-more-family-friendly/ |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=18 September 2019 |date=15 November 2017}}</ref><ref name="NZWW 2019">{{cite news |last= Nissen |first= Wendyl |title= Babies and the Beehive: Trevor Mallard's big plans for a child-friendly Parliament |url = https://www.nowtolove.co.nz/lifestyle/career/trevor-mallard-plans-for-child-friendly-parliament-40381 |work=[[New Zealand Woman's Weekly]] |date=5 February 2019 |access-date=18 September 2019 }}</ref> In November 2017, [[Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives|Speaker of the House]] [[Trevor Mallard]] announced that Parliament would become more "family friendly".<ref name="family friendly" /><ref>{{cite news |last= Walters |first= Laura |title= New Zealand's new baby-friend parliament |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/98699747/new-zealands-new-babyfriendly-parliament?rm=m |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=9 November 2017 |access-date=18 September 2019 }}</ref> Family-friendly policies have included making an atrium near the parliamentary chamber accessible to MP's children, giving carers and spouses the same security clearances as MPs, opening the parliamentary swimming pool to the families of MPs and staff, and updating the family room to have baby-feeding and changing facilities, and a play area on Parliament's lawn.<ref name="NZWW 2019" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Bramwell |first=Chris |title = First look: Parliament lawn to feature playground |url = https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/358913/first-look-parliament-lawn-to-feature-playground |access-date=18 September 2019 |publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=5 June 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |first1=Luke |last1= Malpass |first2=Bridie |last2=Witton |date=23 June 2022 |title=Parliament's grounds officially reopen after occupation, riot |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/129059829/parliaments-grounds-officially-reopen-after-occupation-riot |work=Stuff |access-date=17 August 2022}}</ref>

==New Zealand Youth Parliament==
{{main|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 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.myd.govt.nz/have-your-say/youth-parliament/ |title=Youth Parliament 2010 – MYD |access-date=25 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522012307/http://www.myd.govt.nz/have-your-say/youth-parliament/ |archive-date=22 May 2010 }}</ref>

==Accredited news organisations==
The table below lists news agencies which are accredited members of the New Zealand House of Representatives press gallery. Press gallery members are provided facilities at Parliament to report the proceedings in the House. The listed membership type is the highest level of membership of any member associated with the agency, except for life membership. {{As of|2025|June}}, there are fifteen living life members of the press gallery.<ref name="z417">{{cite web |date=28 June 2007 |title=Press Gallery Membership |url=https://www.parliament.nz/mi/get-involved/information-for-the-press/press-gallery/ |access-date=5 June 2025 |website=New Zealand Parliament}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
!Agency
!Membership type
|-
|[[Associated Press]]
|Full
|-
|[[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg]]
|Associate
|-
|BusinessDesk
|Associate
|-
|[[Getty Images]]
|Ancilliary
|-
|[[The Guardian]]
|Associate
|-
|Hagen Hopkins Photography
|Ancilliary
|-
|The Health Media
|Associate
|-
|Interest.co.nz
|Full
|-
|Law News
|Associate
|-
|[[New Zealand Listener|The Listener]]
|Associate
|-
|Mark Coote Photographer
|Ancialliary
|-
|[[National Business Review]]
|Full
|-
|News Resources Ltd
|Associate
|-
|[[Newsroom (website)|Newsroom]]
|Full
|-
|[[Newstalk ZB]]
|Full
|-
|[[The New Zealand Herald|New Zealand Herald]]
|Full
|-
|[[Oceania Television Network|Oceania TV]]
|Associate
|-
|[[Pacific Media Network]]
|Full
|-
|[[The Platform (radio station)|The Platform]]
|Associate
|-
|Politik
|Full
|-
|[[The Post (New Zealand newspaper)|The Post]]
|Full
|-
|[[Radio New Zealand]]
|Full
|-
|[[Radio Waatea]]
|Full
|-
|Re: News
|Associate
|-
|[[Reuters]]
|Associate
|-
|[[Salient (magazine)|Salient]]
|Associate
|-
|Select Committee News
|Associate
|-
|Setford News Photo Agency
|Ancilliary
|-
|[[Sky News Australia|Sky News]]
|Full
|-
|[[The Spinoff]]
|Full
|-
|[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] / [[ThreeNews]]
|Full
|-
|Te Upoko o Te Ika
|Associate
|-
|[[TVNZ|Television New Zealand]]
|Full
|-
|[[Whakaata Māori]]
|Full
|}

==See also==
{{Portal|Politics|New Zealand}}
* [[Adjournment debate]]
* [[Legislature broadcasters in New Zealand]]
* [[List of longest-serving members of the New Zealand Parliament]]
* [[List of members of the New Zealand Parliament who died in office]]
* [[Lists of acts of the New Zealand Parliament]]
* [[Office of the Ombudsman (New Zealand)]]
* ''[[Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)]]'', the official transcripts of debates
<!-- 
==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=note}} 
-->

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Sources===
*{{cite book |last=King |first=Michael |author-link=Michael King (historian) |title=The Penguin History of New Zealand |date=2003 |publisher=Penguin Books |location=Auckland |isbn=0143018671}}
*{{cite book |last1=McGee |first1=David G. |title=Parliamentary Practice in New Zealand |date=2005 |publisher=Dunmore Pub |location=Wellington |isbn=9781877399060 |edition=3rd}}
*{{cite book |last= Scholefield |first= Guy |title= New Zealand Parliamentary Record, 1840–1949 |author-link=Guy Scholefield |edition=3rd |orig-year= First ed. published 1913 |year= 1950 |publisher=Govt. Printer |location= Wellington}}
* {{cite book |last1=Sinclair |first1=Keith |last2=Dalziel |first2=Raewyn |title=A History of New Zealand |date=2000 |edition=5th rev. |location=Auckland |publisher=Penguin Books |isbn=978-0140298758}}
*{{cite book |last= Wilson |first= James Oakley |title= New Zealand Parliamentary Record, 1840–1984 |edition= 4th |orig-year=First published in 1913 |year= 1985 |publisher=V.R. Ward, Govt. Printer |location= Wellington |oclc=154283103}}

==External links==
* [https://www.parliament.nz/ parliament.nz] – New Zealand Parliament official site
* [https://atojs.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/atojs Digitised reports from selected volumes of the Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives]

{{Parliament of NZ}}
{{National unicameral legislatures}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:New Zealand House of Representatives}}
[[Category:National legislatures|New Zealand, House of Representatives]]
[[Category:Parliament of New Zealand]]
[[Category:Constitution of New Zealand]]
[[Category:1853 establishments in New Zealand]]
[[Category:Defunct lower houses]]<!-- It is a defunct lower house because it used to be a lower house until 1951, when the upper house was abolished -->