Parliament

Every debate is equal but are first and third readings more equal than others? Probably not. We have the firsts and thirds for the week. 

The House gets a rare opportunity to discuss something upbeat - cricket; after the 'team of five million' beat 'the team of one billion' (to paraphrase the Deputy PM). 

Parliament was once wall to wall speeches, recently the Q&A has gaining ground. Quizzes have escaped Question Time and media stand ups and is colonising the traditional debates.

Parliament has given the Government a float. Not a raft in the deluge, but cash to be ‘going on with’ while they all continue debating the new budget, which applies from next week.  

Ministers have appeared before other MPs to answer questions about Budget 2021 as part of Parliament's financial scrutiny cycle. 

Parliament's question times have been littered with a recurring question about whether the Prime Minister stands by their statements.

A bill on water fluoridation decisions has passed its second reading at Parliament - more than four years after it was first introduced.

A bill transferring control of water fluoridation from local councils to the Director General of Health is back before Parliament this week

Parliament’s business often develops themes. Recently there’s a been a strong flavour of security with a side of white supremacy threats.

Among the many less political things happening at Parliament: this year's NZIER Secondary School Debating Championship, with a very political final.