25/08/2026
On the 19th of August we were delighted to host our third parliamentary seminar of the year, combining the topics of seminar one (how government is exercised through Parliament), and seminar two (machinery of government).
To begin our seminar, Barbara Kuriger, MP Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, discussed the role, duties, and responsibilities of the Speaker and Presiding Officers and the purpose of the Business Committee.
Dr David Wilson, Clerk of the House, informed us on the duties of the Clerk, responsibility to the Speaker, conducting and managing House business, Chief Executive, Office of the Clerk. Followed by Stuart Smith MP, Chief Government Whip Suze Redmayne National Party Junior Whip and Glen Bennett MP, Chief Labour Party Whip discussed the Role of the Government and Opposition Whips in managing MPs.
Following morning tea, James Picker, Clerk Assistant – Office of the Clerk, educated us about the different types of Bills and how legislation proceeds through the House and Select Committees.
Catherine Wedd MP, Chair of the Environment Committee covered, purpose and role of Select Committee, making a written submission, speaking at a Submission. The focus then turned to the Opposition with the Hon Carmel Sepuloni MP, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, discussing the role of the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Opposition parties in an MMP environment - demands and constraints.
Hannah Huggan, University of Waikato, 2025 prize winner of the Trust’s prize in politics received her certificate of attainment from Jo Coughlan, Board member. The Trust also acknowledged Greg O’Connor, Assistant Speaker, and Associate Member of the Trust who is retiring at the General Election. Greg was thanked for his support of the Trust’s mission. A network lunch with MPs followed.
On returning from Question Time in the House, Helen Lockyer, Principal Advisor - Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) provided an insight into the role Government departments and ministries undertake in the development and delivery of policy.
On the 19th of August we were delighted to host our third parliamentary seminar of the year, combining the topic
