The House

The Climate Change Commission told members this week that climate adaptation is the "most difficult challenge this country faces over the next century."

Petitions often touch on very human stories, or on tricky philosophical issues. This week, one threw explosive new information into an already contentious debate.

Parliament's Question Time is a slow-moving boxing match with many rounds. This week one boxer's second stepped into the ring to help. They didn't throw in the towel, but they did try to stop the bout.

The House hears from two MPs, usually foes, who have spent a week together stateside, like a political odd couple.

A dispute during Question Time this week was packed with lessons on asking questions in Parliament, and especially how not to answer them.

It's not uncommon for a Committee of the Whole House to need several sittings to consider a bill. With three government bills under consideration by the Committee this week, most of Parliament's sitting time will be devoted to this process.

The House began a new sitting block sharing a little love over the Paris Olympics results, but the sudden outbreak of amity didn't last.

New Zealand's Parliament House is a strikingly colonial edifice. So how does it feel to be Māori in that space?

Few people think MPs never lie, so why are they seldom punished? We investigate Parliament's rules on mistakes, fibs, and perfidious calumny.

From birthday messages, to lamenting New Zealand cultural icons, the General Debate enables MPs to climb onto the soapbox and yarn about whatever's on their mind.

The censure of an MP this week came with a message about how to handle provocation - keep it vocal.

Behind many MP interviews is an incessant ringing. It's like parliament itself has tinnitus, or is trying to drown out its inhabitants. What is that noise?

This week in Parliament the Government's coalition partner antics upended National's plans and illustrated how not to create message discipline.

Like an uncooperative student flat Parliament relies on rosters to organise who gets to speak when. Lots of rosters. And like that flat it probably stops squabbles.

The Social Services and Community Committee has been told by state owned media this week that despite fears and perceptions, they're still alive and well.