Bay of Plenty's three newest MPs will be sworn in for the first time today.
Tauranga-based Jan Tinetti and Bay of Plenty-based Angie Warren-Clark will enter Parliament as Labour list MPs under the new Government, while Tamati Coffey was elected MP for Wairakei.
All elected members will be called on to swear an Oath of Allegiance at the Commission opening of Parliament ceremony scheduled to begin at 11am.
Warren-Clark said she was feeling excited and humbled.
"This feels really big for me."
"I am just looking forward to the Government forming so we can get on and do it."
Two of her closest friends would be in Parliament to watch the ceremony.
Tinetti was feeling much the same way.
"I've been thinking this morning that not many people get to experience this, so it's quite exciting."
Re-elected MPs Simon Bridges (National), Todd Muller (National) and Clayton Mitchell (New Zealand First) will also swear the oath.
The oath
I, [specify], swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Her heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Source: Oaths and Declarations Act 1957
Parliament opens: the process
Today
- Commission opening: Parliament is opened on the Governor-General's behalf by three Royal Commissioners, usually judges.
- Members sworn in: Elected members called in alphabetical order to take an oath of allegiance to the Crown in English or Maori.
- Speaker elected: Elected members nominate candidates for Speaker and, if more than one nomination is received, they take a vote.
Tomorrow
- State Opening of Parliament: The Governor-General's messenger, the Usher of the Black Rod, is sent to the House of Representatives to summon members to the Governor-General's presence to hear the Speech from the Throne. This sets out the Government's legislative and policy intentions for the session of Parliament. Once this ceremony is completed, members return to the debating chamber and the House can start to conduct its usual business.