Sitting programme confirmed for 2026

On the final sitting day of the year the House of Representatives confirmed the sitting programme for 2026. You can watch the confirmation of the programme on Parliament Video.

Video On Demand | New Zealand Parliament

The Standing Orders set out that the sitting programme must require the House to sit on approximately 84 days in the year, with the first day being no later than the last Tuesday in February.

Standing Orders - New Zealand Parliament

In 2026 the House resumes on 27 January 2026. As 2026 is an Election year, the sitting programme is subject to change once the date of the General Election has been set.

The 2026 sitting programme allows for two scrutiny weeks (one for Estimates and one for annual reviews). Scrutiny weeks provide select committees and members with dedicated time to conduct hearings, particularly in-depth reviews. During scrutiny weeks, the House does not sit, but members are still required to attend committee meetings in person unless they have permission from their party leader to participate remotely.

2026 sitting programme:

January 27, 28 and 29
February 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19
March 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 24, 25, 26, and 31
April 1, 2, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, and 30
May 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, and 28
June 23, 24, 25, and 30
July 1, 2, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, and 30
August 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, and 27
September 1, 2, 3, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, and 24
October 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22
November 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, and 12
December 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 17

Scrutiny weeks:

15 – 19 June
30 November – 4 December