The 2025 parliamentary year has concluded, marked by a record-breaking pace of legislation and a shift in parliamentary processes. According to analysis of the year’s proceedings, this government has passed more legislation in its first two years than any MMP Parliament has in its entire three-year term.
A Year of Records
The sheer volume of bills processed has raised concerns about the depth of scrutiny applied to each piece of legislation. Parliament is not only breaking records for the number of bills passed, but also for a perceived lack of careful process. The Speaker, Gerry Brownlee, noted the intensity of the year, reflected even in the consumption of 60,000 hot drinks – primarily coffee – at the Beehive’s Copperfields cafeteria.
Who’s Talking? The Golden Throat Lozenge Awards
Analysis of Hansard data reveals a significant disparity in participation during House debates. Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan emerged as the most vocal MP, speaking 396 times and uttering approximately 194,000 words, despite joining Parliament several months into the term following the death of Efeso Collins. While Gerry Brownlee spoke more times overall (398), his role as Speaker necessitates brevity. Opposition MPs, conversely, utilized their allotted speaking time to its fullest extent, often to slow down the legislative process and ensure thorough consideration of bills.
Winner of the Golden Throat Lozenge Award for most words spoken, Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan.
Photo: VNP / Phil Smith
The top ten most vocal MPs were all from opposition parties, while government backbenchers generally remained quiet during bill defenses. This dynamic suggests a strategic approach by the opposition to prolong debate, particularly when bills bypassed select committees or were considered under urgency.
Public Engagement and Oversight
Public interest in parliamentary proceedings also reached new heights. A record 295,670 submissions were received on the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill alone. Overall, 73,000 people toured Parliament, and 122,000 visited for meetings, indicating strong public engagement with the democratic process. However, the sheer volume of submissions strained Parliament’s resources, and concerns were raised about the potential impact on the quality of advice provided to committees.
Oversight of the government, a core function of Parliament, was primarily exercised through formal questions to ministers. While oral questions can be effective, their impact diminishes when ministers are not compelled to provide direct answers, increasing the importance of written questions.
What Might Come Next
If the current government maintains its pace of legislative activity, we could see continued debate over the balance between efficiency and thorough scrutiny. Opposition parties may increasingly rely on procedural tactics to slow down bills and demand greater consideration, potentially leading to further tension within Parliament. It is also likely that Parliament will need to address the logistical challenges posed by increasing public engagement and the volume of submissions received on proposed legislation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the government passed more legislation than previous parliaments?
It means the current government has been highly productive in enacting new laws, surpassing the output of previous MMP governments. However, it also raises questions about whether sufficient time and consideration were given to each bill.
Who spoke the most in Parliament this year?
Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan spoke the most, uttering roughly 194,000 words in 396 speeches. Gerry Brownlee spoke more times overall, but as Speaker, his contributions are typically brief.
How has public engagement with Parliament changed?
Public engagement has increased significantly, with a record number of submissions on bills and a high number of visitors to Parliament. This increased engagement has, however, created logistical challenges for Parliament’s secretariat.
How will the increased workload and pace of legislation affect the quality of debate and scrutiny in future parliamentary sessions?
