Pomp and ceremony gets Parliament underway

Parliament business is underway after the State Opening of the 54th Parliament.

It began in ceremonial pageantry around the arrival of the Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro.

The Usher of the Black Rod, Sandra McKie (centre) leads Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro to the State Opening of the 54th Parliament. Photo: Johnny Blades / VNP

Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro at the State Opening of Parliament, 6 December 2023. Photo: Johnny Blades

The State Opening was attended by cohorts of military officers from the Army, Air Force and Navy. Dame Cindy inspected them.

Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro inspects a military formation outside Parliament after arriving for the State Opening of the 54th Parliament. Photo: Johnny Blades / VNP

As part of a long-running tradition, Sandra McKie, the Usher of the Black Rod, led the Governor General in to the Parliament building for the State Opening. 

Sandra McKie, the Usher of the Black Rod, arrives at the State Opening of Parliament, 6 December 2023. Photo: Johnny Blades VNP

Once inside, MPs gathered in the Legislative Council Chamber to hear Dame Cindy read the Speech from the Throne which is prepared by the new government and outlines its priorities and policy direction.

Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro about to deliver the Speech from the Throne at the State Opening of the 54th Parliament. Government MPs are seated on the left, while Opposition MPs are on the right. Photo: Johnny Blades / VNP

The Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro reads the Speech from the Throne while new Prime Minister Christopher Luxon listens. The Speech is prepared by the new government and outlines its priorities and policy direction. Photo: Johnny Blades / VNP

This was followed later in the day by the start of the Address in Reply debate, in which party leaders took first turns at responding to the government’s priorities and plans.

The debate will continue in bits and pieces over the coming weeks, with 12 hours and 36 minutes worth of speeches remaining.

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