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The New Zealand Business and Parliament Trust hosted its second seminar of 2025 on Wednesday the 14th of May, titled “Machinery of Government and Parliament: Taking a Closer Look”. Held in Parliament’s Banquet Hall, the seminar provided corporate attendees the opportunity to hear from Parliamentary staff and public service officials. NZBPT Board Chair Brent McAnulty presided.
Barbara Kuriger MP, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, spoke about select committees. She discussed their role and purpose, how to make a written submission, and how to speak to a submission.
After morning tea, Helen Lockyer of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) spoke about the Policy Project and how good policy is made. Rachel Clarke, a senior advisor at the DPMC, talked about the structure of Cabinet and Cabinet Committees. Natalie Maher of Ministerial Services spoke about the workings of a minister’s office, followed by Michael van der Kwast discussing his experience as a roving press secretary for various ministers.
Attendees then had the opportunity to network with Members of Parliament over lunch.
The first speaker for the afternoon was James Picker, Clerk-Assistant, who spoke about how legislation becomes law. He also spoke about the budget and financial cycle.
Attendees then proceeded to Select Committee Room 1 in Bowen House. There, Ben Greig (a select committee manager) led a mock select committee training session which attendees found very useful.
Following the conclusion of the seminar, some attendees chose to stay on and visit the House to watch proceedings.