Trevor Mallard could go down as one of New Zealand's most contentious Speakers.

He's moving on from the post to become Ambassador to Ireland, to be replaced by current deputy Adrian Rurawhe.

Newstalk ZB's Deputy political editor Jason Walls told Kate Hawkesby Mallard's tenure has not been without controversy, including making a false rape allegation several years ago.

He says a phrase thrown around is "poacher turned gatekeeper" because Mallard went from being one of the worst behaved MPs to being in charge of them all. 

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Trevor Mallard could go down as one of New Zealand's most contentious Speakers.
He's moving on from the post to become Ambassador to Ireland, to be replaced by current deputy Adrian Rurawhe.
Newstalk ZB's Deputy political editor Jason Walls told Kate Hawkesby Mallard's tenure has not been without controversy, including making a false rape allegation several years ago.
He says a phrase thrown around is "poacher turned gatekeeper" because Mallard went from being one of the worst behaved MPs to being in charge of them all. 
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.