The decorative cookie tin that helps New Zealand make new laws
- In New Zealand, a ceremonial lottery called 'the biscuit tin' allows legislators to randomly draw bills for debate, promoting democratic opportunity for all members.
- Arena Williams proposed a law to enhance transparency about fees for international money transfers for working people sending money overseas.
- Tim van de Molen celebrated winning his first biscuit tin lottery after seven and a half years in Parliament, aiming to prohibit improper use of military decorations.
- The process involves drawing bingo tokens numbered one through 90, moving away from a computer system for a more traditional approach.
17 Articles
17 Articles

In New Zealand's Parliament, a battered cookie tin decides which new laws get debated
In New Zealand’s Parliament, every legislator has the chance to advance a proposed law, no matter how unpopular, thanks to an unusual lottery where bills are selected by random draw from a cookie tin.
How a cookie tin lottery at New Zealand's Parliament helps decide what becomes law
Under the scrutiny of a black-robed official and before a hushed audience, a decorative cookie tin rattles like a bingo drum. Inside: the future of New Zealand ’s laws.The ceremonial lottery at Parliament, where bills are drawn randomly from what’s known as “the biscuit tin” in local parlance, is a way to ensure every New Zealand legislator has the chance to advance a proposed law, no matter how unpopular their bid. When a rare empty slot opens o
In the Parliament of New Zealand, They Draw Like a Lottery to Decide Which Law to Discuss
The ceremonial lottery in Parliament, where the numbers denoting bills are drawn at random from biscuit boxes, ensures that all MPs have an equal chance to propose bills, but when they will be on the floor is decided by a faded metal box kept in the display case of Parliament, and this solemn and humorous ritual is regularly organised.
Explained: How New Zealand’s Cookie Tin Lottery Helps Decide What Becomes Law
In a quirky but serious democratic ritual, New Zealand’s Parliament uses a decorative cookie tin to randomly select bills for debate, giving all lawmakers a fair shot at advancing legislation, no matter how unpopular or unconventional the proposal, according to a report published in The Associated Press on Friday. This ceremonial lottery, held when a rare slot opens on Parliament’s agenda, has become an iconic part of the nation’s legislative pr…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage