Urgent Debates Declined — Kaipara District Council—Crown Manager, Termination

I have received a letter from the Rt Hon Winston Peters seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 the termination of the Crown manager of Kaipara District Council. This is a particular case of recent occurrence. Mr Peters received information on this matter only on the day before the Budget. An urgent debate cannot be held on Budget day. A ministerial decision to terminate the appointment of the Crown manager is clearly a matter for which there is ministerial responsibility. In considering this application, I have noted the significant challenges faced by Kaipara District Council relating to its waste-water management scheme. Clearly, there have been some errors in the appointment of the Crown manager. While those matters are concerning, I am not convinced they are urgent enough to warrant setting aside the business of the House today. The application is, therefore, declined.