The State Opening of Parliament is an interesting mix of British colonial pomp and circumstance blended with Māori and other indigenous traditions.
It means people who aren’t obsessed with ceremonial rituals and processes will often watch Parliament TV left scratching their heads, thinking: “What is that guy doing?”
To make it easier to understand, 1News is here to explain some of the major rituals at New Zealand’s State Opening of Parliament.
What does the Governor-General wear?
When giving her Speech from the Throne in Parliament, Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro wears a number of different items — each with different meanings to New Zealand's democracy.
On her shoulders, the Governor-General wears the Collar of the Chancellor of The New Zealand Order of Merit. The chain can only be worn by the King and Governor-General.
On the left side of her jacket, she wears the stars of a Dame Grand Companion of The New Zealand Order of Merit (GNZM) and a Dame of Justice of the Order of St John (DStJ).
Above the stars, she wears a set of miniature insignia mounted together: GNZM, QSO, DStJ.
Around her neck is a ribbon, the Badge of Principal Companion of The Queen’s Service Order. The Governor-General is ex-officio “Principal Companion” of this Order.
Who is the usher of the black rod?
On the debating chamber door, there are noticeable marks and dents in the wood — where something has clearly been banged against them.
These marks were caused by the Usher of the Black Rod.
The Usher of the Black Rod is the Governor-General's messenger to the House of Representatives, as the Governor-General is not allowed to enter the chamber as an “assertion by the house of its independence”.
This dates back to 1642 when King Charles I entered the UK House of Commons to arrest members he suspected had committed treason.
At the State Opening of Parliament, the debate chamber door is closed, and the Black Rod has to knock on the door three times to be let in. This is done using a baton — hence the marks on the door.
The Black Rod then guides MPs to the Legislative Council Chamber for the Governor-General's speech.
The role is currently held by Sandra McKie.
Who holds the big gold thing?
“The Mace”, the big gold piece that sits in the middle of Parliament, is carried by the Serjeant-at-Arms and represents the Authority of the Sovereign and Speaker.
It is carried by Steve Streefkerk, a former navy officer, and is carried on his right shoulder.
The Serjeant-at-Arms was a bodyguard during medieval times and had the power to arrest without a warrant. Over time the role has evolved into a more ceremonial title.
The Serjeant-at-Arms also has the responsibility of Office of the Clerk and Parliamentary Service Business Continuity arrangements and responsibility for the broadcasting of Parliament on radio and TV.
The clan of vitality?
The clan of vitality are two taonga that sit in the footsteps of the Parliament House.
They represent the “balance and duality on Parliament’s forecourt of the restorative work it is undertaking on Māori-Crown relations”.
Their names are Tupua-horo-nuku and Tupua-horo-rangi — which were blessed and unveiled in July of this year.
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