Pacific formal wear

Pacific formal wear could become acceptable in NZ parliament

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 who chairs the council, told RNZ that MPs would see what is in the House and feel more included and would want to participate.