MPs to be sworn in and Speaker elected today

The Government will stress its desire to build a dynamic economy delivering prosperity for all when the 48th Parliament sits this week.

MPs will be sworn in today and there will be a great deal of grief at the sight of the chair left empty by the death of Green co-leader Rod Donald.

Despite Mr Donald's passing, MPs will also get down to the business of electing a Speaker today.

The Governor-General, Dame Silvia Cartwright, tomorrow will read the Speech from the Throne outlining the programme for Prime Minister Helen Clark's third Government.

It is expected the speech will have a heavy emphasis on building on the economic growth of recent years to create more wealth for more New Zealanders.

The speech is likely to outline plans for further investment in education, training and research, with particular emphasis on increasing productivity, innovation and exports.

Election promises will also be guaranteed, with legislation introducing interest-free student loans expected.

Other promises to be enacted include more hours of free early childhood education, extra places for apprentices and expansion of the working-for-families package.

Tributes to David Lange had been planned for Wednesday but that might change after Mr Donald's death.

- NZPA