Pacific formal wear could become acceptable in NZ parliament

New Zealand's Parliament has the potential to get a lot more colourful.

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.

He says they are excited about the changes. 

Tualamali'i says the new rules will kick in after 23 September in the new Parliament.

New Zealand goes to the polls next month to elect new MPs and a new Government.