H.E. Sir John Te Grace, on behalf of the people and Government of New Zealand. General Information Dress Members of the Senate, as in the House of Representatives, wear lounge suits for formal sittings but are permitted to remove their jackets after Prayer each day. The President of the Senate wears a gown but no wig. The Secretary-General to Parliament and the Secretary to the Senate wear gowns and barristers' wigs during Senate sittings. Language Members may speak in either of the three languages, Fijian, Hindustani or English.
Most Members speak in English but a few speak in Fijian.
An interpreter translates their speeches for the benefit of other Members. However, all reports, papers, Bills and proceedings of the Senate are in English. Visitors Members of the public are always welcome to attend the sittings of the Senate. Members and parliamentary staff may go in and out through the side and back doors.