WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The man who presides over New Zealand's parliament has been called a baby whisperer.

He was in action again this week, gently rocking, bottle feeding and burping a colleague's infant as a lawmaker ranted about gas prices.

Speaker Trevor Mallard held baby Tutanekai for about 15 minutes during a fiery general debate Wednesday after spotting lawmaker Tamati Coffey with his 6-week-old son.

Mallard said Friday he's been trying to make parliament a more family-friendly place by adding baby chairs, family rooms and, soon, a slide. He's also increased the flexibility aro...