NZ parliament

She was greeted on Parliament's steps by fellow Cabinet ministers, MPs, staff and onlookers, who she greeted with emotional farewells.

Her formal resignation was confirmed by the Governor-General who then swore in her replacement, Chris Hipkins.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, have also paid tribute to Ardern's leadership on Twitter.

The petition of Josefina Fuimaono-Sapolu seeks to ensure a free, fair and democratic process was conducted.

Fuimaono-Sapolu draws attention to the appointment of an MP who did not win in her constituency.

He is scheduled to appear at Wellington District Court later this morning.

Police were called just before 5.30am after the man was seen with the axe.

The man smashed five glass panels at the main entrance to the Parliament buildings.

The entranceway is now blocked off by metal barriers and RNZ reporter Ben Strang told Morning Report an industrial hoover had been used to clean-up the glass debris.

He said the man hadn't actually tried to enter Parliament and they were able to arrest him without any further incident.

Five new MPs with Pacific heritage were elected this year bringing the total of Pasifika MPs in the house to 11 - the most ever.

Flanked on both sides by 'ei wearing supporters and with joyous Pasifika singing echoing through the lower halls of the Beehive - the five newest Pasifika MPs and their families were welcomed to a blessing ceremony held in their honour and attended by community, church and political leaders.

For first time Otaki MP Teris Ngobi, who is of Samoan and Scottish decent, it was a privilege and honour to be able to celebrate the moment

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.