Aside from duties relating to presiding over the House, the speaker also performs administrative and procedural functions, and remains a member of Parliament (MP).

The speaker is also responsible for granting or declining requests for certain events, such as a snap debate on a particular issue.

[4] The speaker defers to 'Standing Orders', which are the written rules of conduct governing the business of the House.

[5] MPs who feel one of these rules has been breached by another member can interrupt a debate by using a procedure known as a 'point of order'.

[6] The speaker is also responsible for directing and overseeing the administration and security of the buildings and grounds of Parliament, and the general provision of services to members.

[7] In doing so, the speaker consults and receives advice from the Parliamentary Service Commission, which comprises MPs from across the House.

[17] At the start of a term of Parliament, the newly confirmed speaker follows the tradition of claiming the privileges of the House.

When the speaker reaches the chamber, the serjeant-at-arms announces their arrival and places the mace on the Table of the House.

[1] Speakers now generally wear what they feel appropriate, usually an academic gown of their highest held degree or a Māori cloak.

That year, the position of Deputy Speaker was made official, and the role of Chairman of Committees was discontinued.

The first Assistant Speaker was appointed in 1996,[24] replacing the position of Deputy Chairman of Committees, which had been established in 1975.

Ian McKelvie was appointed as a third Assistant Speaker from 1 March 2022 but only while the House was sitting with some members participating remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two further temporary Assistant Speakers (David Bennett and Greg O'Connor) were added for the sitting week of 9 to 11 August 2022, to cover absences.

[26] Barbara Kuriger was added for the period of 22 to 26 November 2022, when the government accorded urgency to business as a result of the sitting time lost from the death of Elizabeth II.

[27][28] Poto Williams was reappointed as Assistant Speaker during the final week of the Parliament, from 29 to 31 August.