In June this year, a parliamentary delegation from the Solomon Islands stepped into New Zealand’s House of Representatives to see firsthand how robust financial oversight works in action.
Led by Hon. Lazarus Rina (Chairman of the Public Expenditure Committee) and Hon. George Temahua, along with Ms. Angelina Nunumae (Committee Secretary) and Mr. Patrick Balou (Research Staff Officer), the team spent four intensive days—from 16–19 June—observing New Zealand’s annual Estimates Scrutiny Week.
This unique learning visit gave our MPs and parliamentary staff an up-close look at how select committees rigorously examine government spending plans outlined in the 2025 Budget Estimates. They sat in on over 60 hearings, watched ministers and officials questioned in detail, and studied how public scrutiny and transparency strengthen trust in democratic institutions.
The program was not just about watching. The delegation also engaged in strategic discussions with the New Zealand Parliamentary Library and Research Office, gathering valuable insights on how to support committees with solid research, clear timelines, and evidence-based inquiry methods.
Key takeaways include:
-Enforcing strict questioning times to ensure clear answers.
-Making hearings accessible to the public and media to boost accountability.
-Using public submissions and standardized frameworks to guide committee work.
This study visit is part of our Parliament’s ongoing effort to strengthen our own committee systems, ensuring that MPs have the tools, procedures, and research support needed to hold government spending to account and deliver better outcomes for our people.
With these lessons in hand, the Public Expenditure and Public Accounts Committees are already looking at ways to integrate what they learned into local practice, building a more transparent, accountable, and effective National Parliament for the Solomon Islands.
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[NpSI Media]
