Content provider

New Zealand Parliament
Information
Date:
25 March 2009
Related links

Members’ days

Every second Wednesday that the House sits is normally a 'Members’ day'. These are days when non-Government business takes precedence over Government business.

Most debates in the House of Representatives are about Government business (mostly Government bills). However, the rules of the House set aside some time for bills that are not Government bills.

Non-Government business includes—

  • Members’ bills, which are bills dealing with matters of public policy that are introduced by members who are not Ministers
  • local bills, which are initiated by local authorities such as city, district and regional councils, and each affect a particular locality
  • private bills, which relate to particular private individuals or organisations.

Order of business on particular days

The precise order in which business is transacted differs depending upon the day on which the House of Representatives is sitting. An Order Paper (the House’s agenda) is produced by the Clerk for every House sitting day.

On alternate Wednesdays bills introduced by individual members of Parliament who are not Ministers take precedence over government business. These bills may not have the support of the Government.

Ballot for Members’ bills

Items of business on the Order Paper are called 'orders of the day'. Only four orders of the day for the first readings of members’ bills are allowed at any one time (sessional order 17 February 2010 changed this to six members' bills). When places become available a ballot is held for those members wishing to introduce a bill.

Observing the House in session

The public are welcome to observe Parliament at work. You can visit the House of Representatives in session, watch the House from your computer or on television, tune in to radio broadcasts, or go to select committee hearings.