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On August 23rd, the Trust held its third Parliamentary Seminar of the year centered around "The Machinery of Government and Parliament." This seminar focused on what happens constitutionally and politically following the dissolution of Parliament for the General Election and the formation of a new Parliament.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Adrian Rurawhe and the Clerk of the House, David Wilson, spoke about the prorogation and dissolution of parliament as well as the role of Speaker in between Parliaments. Guest speaker Karl Le Quesne, Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission, gave a presentation about running the election, the writ for an election, and closing the election process. The Press Secretary for the Prime Minister and the Senior Ministerial Adviser for the Department of Internal Affairs spoke about the election’s impact on the ministries and staff. After morning tea, Nicola Purvis, Deputy Secretary of the Cabinet, and Rose Goss, Senior Legal and Constitutional Adviser spoke about the role of DPMC in the lead up to and following the General Election. Attendees then heard from Shanan Halbert MP who spoke about his campaigning experience. After lunch, attendees watched Question Time in the Government Gallery followed by a presentation about the role of the media and election campaign coverage by Jessica Mutch Mackay, political editor at TVNZ. The final speaker, Hon Scott Simpson spoke about his election campaign and his experience as an MP. The seminar concluded with a late afternoon and drinks in the Speaker’s Lounge.
Associate memberships were granted to Members of Parliament who successfully completed their business attachments. Dr. Tracey McLellan received an associate membership for her attachment with Hato Hone St. John, Simon Court for his attachment at Foodstuffs North Island Ltd, Joseph Mooney and Simon O’Connor for their attachments at NZ Post.
Marewa Taiepa Shields from the University of Otago, the 2022 Prize in Politics recipient was awarded her certificate of attainment.
The Trust wishes to express their appreciation to corporate members who joined us for the final seminar of the year.