Appointments — Ombudsman—Melwyn Purefoy Smith

, on behalf of the Leader of the House: I move, That, pursuant to section 8 of the Ombudsmen Act 1975, this House recommend Her Excellency the Governor-General to reappoint Melwyn Purefoy Smith of Wellington as an additional Ombudsman for a period of 6 months, commencing on 5 June 2005.

On behalf of the National Party, and, I am sure, of other parties also, we have much pleasure in supporting this motion for the reappointment of Mr Mel Smith to be an additional Ombudsman for the period of 6 months. My understanding is that Mr Smith was first appointed Ombudsman in December 2001, then was reappointed for a 2-year period commencing on 5 June 2003. As the current appointment terminates in June, this motion extends the appointment for another 6 months until 5 December 2005. We on the Opposition side of the House certainly acknowledge the work, expertise, and commitment of Mr Smith as Ombudsman, and we have much pleasure in supporting this reappointment.

Motion agreed to.

The House adjourned at 5.55 p.m.