Pursuant to section 5 of the Legislative Service Act of 1968-69, No. 29, the control of Parliament is vested in the Speaker. The current Speaker is Mrs Niki Rattle who was initially appointed to the position in 2012. By Westminster convention, as the controller of the proceedings of the House, the Speaker’s role is normally but not limited to:
• Allowing Members who are speaking to express their views;
• Ensuring that Members adhere to the rules of debate, that is, as required by the Standing Orders of the House;
• Regulating the time allocated for debate and ensure that parliamentary time is not wasted;
• Ruling on any dispute as to the procedure to be followed by the House;
• Protecting the right of the minority.
The Speaker also performs other functions as the head of the legislature such as serving as the Chair of Parliaments Standing Orders Committee, sitting in on Select Committee Sittings, and representing the legislature at local and global parliamentary events.
| Speakers of Parliament | |
|---|---|
| Mrs. Marguerite Story | 1965 – 1979 |
| Mr. David Marama Hosking | 1979 – 1988 |
| Mr. Raututi Taringa | 1989 – 1999 |
| Mr. Ngereteina Puna | 1999 – 2001 |
| Sir. Pupuke Robati | 2002 – 2004 |
| Mr. Norman George | 2004 – 2006 |
| Mr. Mapu Taia | 2006 – 2010 |
| Sir. Geoffery Henry | 2010 – 2012 |
| Mrs Niki Rattle | 2012 – Present |
