Urgent Debates Declined — Drinking-water Contamination—Havelock North Inquiry

I have received a letter from the Hon David Parker seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 the findings of the Government inquiry into the Havelock North drinking water. This is a particular case of recent occurrence, for which there is ministerial responsibility. The House debated the drinking water contamination in Havelock North when it occurred in August 2016. At that time I ruled that New Zealanders expect to have safe drinking water available, that the situation was a serious one, and that a debate was required. While the release of a report may warrant an urgent debate, this must be exceptional, especially where working through a report’s recommendations would take some time. I refer members to Speaker’s Ruling 215/5. I note that the report is on stage one of the inquiry and identifies what caused the water contamination. Stage two will make recommendations to prevent further incidents. Having considered the report, I do not think its findings have such an element of urgency that the business of the House should be set aside to debate it. The application is, therefore, declined.