National's Dan Bidois is the latest MP to swear he'll be loyal to the Queen.
Dan Bidois at the launch of his campaign. Photo: RNZ / Nita Blake-Persen
Mr Bidois was sworn in to the House today after winning a by-election in Northcote sparked by the resignation of Jonathan Coleman in March this year.
Swearing an oath of allegiance or affirmation is a requirement for all MPs in the House - If they don't swear they can't vote or speak.
The oath can be made in Te Reo Maori or English and some MPs have been allowed to repeat the oath in another languages (many MPs did just that when they were sworn in after last year's election).
It isn’t a promise not to advocate for a republican or different system of government but an MP who subsequently made an oath to a foreign power would lose their seat.
The next big event for a newly sworn in MP is their maiden statement, or in simple terms, their first speech in the House.
Maiden statements are a chance for MPs to tell the public who they are, their hopes, and their beliefs. They also serve as an opener to an MPs career which is often book-ended by a valedictory speech at the end.
