Labour's Trevor Mallard has been re-elected Speaker of the House unopposed on the first day of Parliament since the election.
"You have brought about significant change," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in her speech after Mallard was voted in by his parliamentary peers.
National leader Judith Collins also congratulated Mallard and welcomed his "resolve" in bringing about changes to Parliament.
"I want to thank those in the last Parliament for the courtesy they showed to me and your tolerance as I learned my role," Mallard, 66, said in his acceptance speech on Wednesday.
He was sworn in as Speaker for the first time in 2017.
"I want to especially thank those who were involved in the extraordinary work of the Standing Orders Committee, the results of which will mean much more to this Parliament than most members here realise," he said.
The Standing Orders Committee reviews and considers the rules that govern how the House of Representatives operates in New Zealand.
"I think this Parliament will have the opportunity to hold the Government to account in a way that has not been seen since our party system developed," Mallard said.
"My role includes protecting the rights and encouraging the participation of the 92 members who are not part of the Government. I will do my best to do that well."
Mallard reflected on the attributes of the first Speaker of the House, Sir Charles Clifford, who served in the role from 1854 to 1860.
"He was said to have combined ability and firmness, impartiality with dignity and good temper. Some might say for me that's slightly aspirational," Mallard joked. "But it's something to work towards and I will do that for as long as the House has confidence in me."
Mallard said his interpretation of the rules will not always be the same as all members, but he said he's always open to discussion.
"I hope that we have some good discussions ahead on it and my door will always be open for members to come and seek my reasoning or to dispute my interpretation in a way that is less public."
The Prime Minister paid tribute to Mallard for his role in the previous term of Parliament, from making the precinct more welcome to children to allowing a prayer to be delivered by a member of the Muslim community after the Christchurch terror attack.
"Never underestimate the power and effect of that one simple act for every New Zealander," Ardern said.
Ardern also thanked Mallard for his work on the Francis Review, which last year revealed complaints of sexual harassment and assault, abusive texts, frequent shouting at staff, character assassination, and overall disrespectful conduct in Parliament.
"You worked on the Francis Review which has been an important act in creating a workplace here that models the standard of workplace that we would expect within Aotearoa New Zealand generally," Ardern said.
Collins said she wanted to "echo many of the words" of the Prime Minister.
"The National Party supports you in your role as Speaker of the House and we welcome the words you have given today on holding the executive to account."
Collins said she knows Mallard will "take the protocols of Parliament very seriously" and that he will respect the right of robust, "rowdy" but respectful debate.
"Just occasionally, Mr Speaker-elect, I've thought over the last here years - just occasionally - a little bit of humour now and again would help alleviate a bit of the tension. I've always found it quite useful, just occasionally," Collins said.
"Might I suggest a little bit more of that cunning smile that you have there would be excellent."
