Find out more information about the NZBPT
The New Zealand Business and Parliament Trust hosted its first seminar of 2025 on Thursday the 3rd of April, titled “Exercising Government through Parliament”. Held in Parliament’s Banquet Hall, the seminar provided corporate attendees the opportunity to hear from guest speakers, including many MPs, and attend Question Time. NZBPT Board Chair Brent McAnulty and Trustee Council Member Jessica Mutch McKay presided.
Barbara Kuriger MP spoke about her role as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and explained some Parliamentary procedure. David Wilson, the Clerk of the House, spoke about the work of his office to support the House. Stuart Smith MP and Glen Bennett MP spoke about the roles and responsibilities of party whips. After a morning tea break, Joseph Mooney MP informed attendees about the Select Committee process and how submitters should prepare themselves. The Hon Chris Penk provided insight into the work of ministers, and the Hon Carmel Sepuloni spoke about the role of the opposition.
Quinn Heron, University of Waikato 2024 winner of the Trust’s Tertiary Prize, was presented with a certificate of attainment. Then, the seminar broke for lunch, when attendees were joined by a group of cross-party MPs. A group photo was taken of attendees and Trust staff. Attendees then went to the Speaker’s Gallery to view part of Question Time. Back at the Banquet Hall, Jamie Arbuckle MP spoke about the role and work of a minor party in a coalition government. Following afternoon tea, attendees heard from Jason Walls regarding the role of the Parliamentary Press Gallery and the media in general. The seminar concluded with Cameron Luxton MP and Nancy Lu MP speaking about the experience of being first-term MPs.