Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives
For release: 21 December 2017
Speaker grows in new role by collaborating with Commonwealth counterparts
The Speaker, Rt Hon Trevor Mallard, and the Clerk of the House of Representatives, will represent the New Zealand
Parliament at the 24th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth in the Seychelles from 8 to 11
January 2018.
During the Conference, Speakers from Africa to North America will have the opportunity to discuss developments in
parliamentary practice and procedure in their respective parliaments. This kind of inter-parliamentary dialogue and
collaboration serves to deepen international cooperation, strengthen relationships between parliaments at the highest
level, and enhance the parliamentary knowledge of all those involved.
The Speaker is looking forward to learning how experienced Speakers manage the responsibility of the multi-faceted role
“it’s my job to chair Parliament fairly—making sure all members, no matter their political persuasion, have the
opportunity to participate. This involves being an impartial referee by allowing robust debate yet upholding the dignity
and mana required in the House.
“A strong parliament is essential for democracy and this Conference provides a rare opportunity for Commonwealth
Speakers to pool knowledge and experiences to strengthen parliaments whilst ensuring they remain relevant and adaptable
to the modern world” said Mr Speaker.
Emerging security issues facing parliamentarians and utilising new technologies to directly engage citizens in
democratic processes will be on the agenda, along with ensuring parliamentarians are appropriately resourced to hold the
Government to account.
The Speaker will be stopping in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on his way to the Seychelles for a day of
bilateral meetings with senior Ministers from the National Council of the UAE and New Zealand business representatives
living in the UAE.
ENDS