Long time Labour MP Trevor Mallard has been sworn in as Speaker for the 52nd Parliament.

The Commission Opening of the House of Representatives has just concluded.

Traditionally - the nominated Speaker is dragged to the chair, but Trevor Mallard joked in true Speaker form that feigning reluctance would most certainly be a breach of privilege.

He said he is committed to the integrity of the role.

"My role is to ensure the rights and the privileges of this House are protected, in particular the freedom of speech of all members of this house."

The ceremony is called the Commission Opening, and gets the House in session before the State Opening on Wednesday.

The Clerk of Parliament, David Wilson, called the 120 MPs to take their oaths or affirmations of allegiance.

When they had all been sworn in the government nominated Mr Mallard for Speaker, and he was unopposed.

Mr Mallard will shortly go to Government House to be confirmed in office by Dame Patsy.

The State Opening on Wednesday is a full ceremonial event in the Legislative Council Chamber where Dame Patsy will read the Speech from the Throne, setting out the government's agenda.

MPs then return to the debating chamber to begin the Debate in Reply debate.

- Additional reporting NZ Newswire