Grabbing Governments by the Throat: Question Time and Leadership in New Zealand's Parliamentary Opposition

Abstract

This article examines patterns of performance by New Zealand opposition leaders since 1980, concentrating particularly on parliamentary Question Time. I argue that Question Time is an important tool for New Zealand's parliamentary opposition, much like in Britain and othe R advanced democracies. I show that Question Time, like New Zealand politics generally, has become more ‘presidential’ in recent times, and furthe R show that the parliamentary experience of opposition leaders is a significant factor determining their level of Question Time performance. Finally, I demonstrate that in capable hands Question Time can be a powerful factor determining the opposition's overall popularity with voters.