MEDIA STATEMENT

11 February 2009

Raising awareness of how Parliament works

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon Dr Lockwood Smith, today followed a new path to the House of Representatives as he seeks to make Parliament more open to the public.

“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 moved from his office through the main public foyer of Parliament House where then procession can be observed by the public. He then proceeded down the corridor toward the Visitors’ Door. From there he entered the House and proceeded to the Speaker’s Chair.

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

Dr Smith, who has a PHD from the University of Adelaide, wore 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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