Urgent Debates Declined — Severe Weather Event—Northern Aotearoa New Zealand

Members, I have received a letter from Chlöe Swarbrick seeking to debate under Standing Order 399 the severe weather event currently unfolding in northern parts of Aotearoa. The weather is not a matter for which there is ministerial responsibility. The application is declined. I would remind members of Speakers’ ruling 198/6, made by successive Speakers going back to 1984, that every statement as an urgent debate application must be authenticated. Applications received without authentication are declined on that ground.

I declare the House in committee for further consideration of the Appropriation (2021/22 Confirmation and Validation) Bill.