MPs may soon no longer seek the guidance from God or make references to the Queen or Jesus Christ in the daily prayer that opens Parliament.
Politicians are being consulted on the wording of the prayer, but that hasn't stopped new Speaker Trevor Mallard from opening Parliament this week in te reo Maori with words that translate to "Almighty God", before dropping references to the Queen and Jesus Christ.
The prayer that has opened the House for more than 50 years has been: "Almighty God, humbly acknowledging our need for Thy guidance in all things, and laying aside all private and personal interests, we beseech Thee to grant that we may conduct the affairs of this House and of our country to the glory of Thy holy name, the maintenance of true religion and justice, the honour of the Queen, and the public welfare, peace, and tranquility of New Zealand, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
MPs are divided on the issue.
Senior Labour MP Damien O'Connor, a Catholic, cautioned against change.