Under the scrutiny of a black-robed official and before a hushed audience, a decorative cookie tin rattles like a bingo drum.

Most laws that pass through New Zealand’s Parliament need never enter the ... The ritual began pragmatically, a bid to end a practice that wearied officials before. Once, lawmakers would race ...

Inside: the future of New Zealand 's laws. The ceremonial lottery at Parliament ... a bid to end a practice that wearied officials before. Once, lawmakers would race to the clerk’s office ...

Suspending lawmakers is rare in New Zealand's parliament, with the last occasion ... is "totally out of line with existing parliamentary practice and is disproportionate to the allegations ...