Urgent Debates Declined — COVID-19 Response—Greater Wellington Region Change to Alert Level 2

I have received a letter from David Seymour seeking to debate under Standing Order 399 the decision of Cabinet to raise the COVID-19 alert level to level 2 in Wellington. This is a particular case of recent occurrence for which there is ministerial responsibility. Although the application was lodged after 1 p.m., the event to which it relates occurred after that time, so according to Speaker’s ruling 199/2 the application can be accepted. A ministerial statement has been made on the change in alert levels. Members have had the opportunity to discuss the matter today. I’m sorry; I’m deliberately doing this quite slowly to see if the member’s here. There is an opportunity for this matter to be considered as part of the general debate, and therefore I don’t think that further time should be set aside on this matter today, and therefore I decline the application.

💬 Hon Chris Hipkins: Just as well for you, David.

Well, I was going to say it was pretty close.