Parliament has a rhythm, and that rhythm is important to policy professionals because it drives a lot of their work. Typically (but not always), Parliament starts sitting after Waitangi Day, and it rises for the year in December. In between those times, the weeks that MPs gather in the debating chamber are called 'sitting weeks'.

Talking points are used by senior leaders to speak at meetings and events, including Ministers presenting papers to Cabinet.

Governments usually have a long list of things they want to achieve, but limited resources to achieve them. They have to prioritise - including the number of laws they will try to pass in an electoral term.

Cabinet is the engine room of the Government, taking major decisions on the Government's behalf. Cabinet papers are important because they're the vehicles for getting those decisions.

Any product created by a policy professional needs a good narrative - but it's especially important for a Cabinet paper.