Speaker opens daily procession to the public
10 February 2009

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon Dr Lockwood Smith, is changing the route he takes to the Chamber to make it more open to public view.

“The public has become more aware of the Speaker’s procession through Parliamentary TV which features the event in its introduction to coverage when the House is sitting.

“There will now be an opportunity for people to see the procession that forms a regular feature of each sitting of the House of Representatives.”

The Speaker believes raising public awareness of the procession will also contribute to improving understanding of how Parliament works.

The two o’clock procession between the Speaker’s Office and the Chamber includes the Serjeant–at–Arms bearing the Mace, a symbol of the authority of the House.

“The public can see the Speaker’s procession in other Parliaments including the House of Commons, and now that same opportunity will be available for visitors to New Zealand’s Parliament.”

The Speaker will move from his office through the main public foyer of Parliament House where the public will be able to observe the procession. He will then proceed down the corridor toward the Visitors’ Door. From there he will enter the House and proceed to the Speaker’s Chair.

The Speaker will then read the prayer to begin business for the day.

Dr Smith, who has a PHD from the University of Adelaide, will wear an academic doctoral gown from that university.

The new route will only by used for the 2pm start of Parliament. At other times, the Speaker will enter and leave the House through the Speaker’s Door.

ENDS

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