Is it time for Parliament to cut ties by wearing a tie?

The battle lines are drawn on one of the biggest issues of 2020: whether ties are mandatory in Parliament.

Green Party co-leader James Shaw got the ball rolling saying the outdated rule should be abolished.

He made the brazen request on Parliament’s opening day today, calling for the rule requiring male MPs to wear ties to be removed.

“I wonder if we could see the rule that requires men to wear ties,” Shaw asked speaker Trevor Mallard

The comment made by Shaw, who was wearing a green tie at the time, was met with laughter.

Former national leader Simon Bridges was quick to defend the fashion accessory, tweeting: “It may not be the biggest problem facing the world, but men coming to Parliament should wear ties.”

“It is not a bar, not a club, not a business, it is a national Parliament.”

Bridges’ tweet turned out to be the topic of conversation, and social media users grappled with the tie debate.

“No, I disagree. Times have passed, Simon, and ties are no longer necessary,” wrote one user. “Being orderly and presentable is completely possible without strings attached.”

Does this mean the beginning of the end of the humble tie?

Parisian CEO John Crompton told RNZ’s Checkpoint that the tie remains a part of men’s clothing.

Crompton told RNZ that he has noticed a growing interest in the tie as it is no longer a must-have item for men.

Parisian is a fourth generation tie company located in Auckland CBD.

In celebrating their 100th anniversary last year, New Zealanders have defiantly kept the Parisian in business.

Crane Brothers’ Murray Crane also spoke with RNZ’s Checkpoint, saying that tie wear in general has definitely declined.

“I think you give Kiwi men a chance not to dress up and take it with both hands.”

David Clarke said it was not the top agenda on his list to have an opinion, and said it is for the Spokesperson to decide.

Chris Hipkins said he doesn’t mind wearing a tie, while Nick Smith acknowledged that he was a traditionalist and said “neat formal dress is part of what Parliament should really require.”

So what do you think?

Should he keep his tie? Or is it time to move on?