Most of what is seen of MPs in the House is debate, but before they make their arguments they have to decide what they'll talk about, often by moving a motion.
A motion is effectively a proposal by an MP saying 'I think we should do this'.
Some motions are written on the Parliamentary to-do list, called the order paper, to give MPs time to figure out if they want to support it.
Others are given without notice and so the MP has to ask their colleagues if it’s ok to talk about it now, so they'll ask for 'leave' to do so.
The most common motion is the one before a bill has a reading in the House, e.g. "I move the bill be now read a first time."
This week there were a jumble of different motions, including one for the House to sit under urgency, a motion of condolences for Constable Matthew Hunt. and a motion to acknowledge New Zealand's involvement in the Korean war.
Hear more details on these motions in the audio below:
Going through the motions at Parliament
Photo: VNP / Phil Smith