Episodes

  • Taking their word for it: Lying and MPs

    Taking their word for it: Lying and MPs
    Aug 10 2024
    Few people think MPs never lie, so why are they seldom punished? We investigate Parliament’s rules on mistakes, fibs, and perfidious calumny.
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    14 mins
  • Water cooler chat: Parliament’s General Debate

    Water cooler chat: Parliament’s General Debate
    Aug 8 2024
    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.
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    4 mins
  • Let your vocal chords do the walking

    Let your vocal chords do the walking
    Aug 7 2024
    The censure of an MP this week came with a message about how to handle provocation - keep it vocal.
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    6 mins
  • What on earth is that noise: Parliament's bell keepers.

    What on earth is that noise: Parliament's bell keepers.
    Aug 6 2024
    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?
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    6 mins
  • National tries for message discipline, ACT not so much

    National tries for message discipline, ACT not so much
    Aug 3 2024
    This week in Parliament the Government's coalition partner antics upended National’s plans and illustrated how not to create message discipline.
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    12 mins
  • Like a student flat, parliament runs on rosters

    Like a student flat, parliament runs on rosters
    Aug 1 2024
    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.
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    4 mins
  • MPs get primetime with state owned media

    MPs get primetime with state owned media
    Jul 31 2024
    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.
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    5 mins
  • Going back on wards, aiming at gangs

    Going back on wards, aiming at gangs
    Jul 30 2024
    The House looks at two of the major bills this week: one walking back law on Maori wards, and one seeking new ways to show 'tough on gangs'.
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    5 mins