Points of Order — Signage in the Chamber—Display of Flag Design Options

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I would like to draw to your attention that the Hon Maggie Barry is currently wearing a lapel badge of one of the flag design options in the—[Interruption] Silence!

💬 Mr SPEAKER: Order! Can we have the point of order, please.

The point of order is that I would like to refer you to Speaker’s ruling 18/1 regarding advertising. I have a second point of order. Am I entitled to have this heard in silence?

💬 Mr SPEAKER: Order! Well, if the member would come with a point of order and get to it quickly, I would listen to it. Otherwise we are wasting the House’s time. Can I have the point of order.

The point of order is regarding advertising in the House and regarding being in breach of the New Zealand Flag Referendums Act passed through this House, and the appropriateness of a person wearing an advertising lapel pin of one of the flag designs, which should not be worn.

The choice of lapel badge by any member of Parliament is in fact their own choice. It can well be considered to be a piece of jewellery. I just notice that one of the members on that member’s side is wearing a silver fern, which could equally—no, no, the member is not; he has got his SAS badge on. But the other members have a silver fern on and that could equally be considered advertising, as, of course, could the various boxes sitting over there. They could be considered advertising for New Zealand First. I think we have got to be very, very careful that we do not get too precious about this. [Interruption]

Order! No, I do not need any further assistance. I do not consider for one moment that the wearing of a lapel badge or a fern like I often wear is in any way advertising and breaching the rules of this House.