14 Aug 2017

Pacific formal wear could become acceptable in NZ parliament

From , 5:01 am on 14 August 2017

New Zealand's Parliament has the potential to get a lot more colourful.

Last week MP's voted on amendments to Standing Orders including a change to broaden the definition of "formal wear".

So men's dress lavalavas or ie faitaga could soon grace the House along with the puletasi and the ta'ovala already worn by female Pasifika MP's.

The recommendation was put forward by the PYLAT Council which aims to get more Pacific youth engaged in democracy.

Josiah Tualamali'i chairs the council, and he spoke with Guyon Espiner about the recommendations and what they could mean for New Zealand's Parliament.

Chair of PYLAT Josiah Tualamali'i

Chair of PYLAT Josiah Tualamali'i Photo: VNP / Daniela Maoate-Cox