In this attempt to determine the degree of power or influence possessed by the New Zealand private Member of Parliament, Robert Kelson has consulted parliamentary documents, the New Zealand press, and party documents. His study is based as well on data collected during attendance at the House and its committees, as well as party meetings, over a three-year period. He concludes with suggestions of new roles for the private Member of Parliament in the light of modern conditions, which will make a useful comparison with Canada's experience.