Speaker’s Rulings — Withdrawal and Apology—Process

Members, yesterday following question time, the Hon Kieran McAnulty raised with me whether the proper procedure for members withdrawing and apologising was being followed. In the first instance yesterday, the Acting Prime Minister withdrew and apologised but only after prefacing it with further comment. I want to reinforce that a member is required to withdraw and apologise, and they must do so without qualification and no other words must be used—Speakers’ ruling 60/6. Doing otherwise is highly disorderly.

In the second instance, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer raised a point of order after an exchange during question No. 12 that was hard for me to hear because of the noise in the Chamber. The Rt Hon Winston Peters was addressing a very serious matter that is of concern to all MPs. Interjections should always be rare and reasonable, and they should be calibrated to recognise the seriousness of the matter before the House, a matter that has generated significant passion and concern from all sides of the House.

The Minister’s reply to an interjection caused offence. I didn’t hear the words used, due again to the volume of interjection. However, I invited the Minister to withdraw and apologise. He contested that the response was offensive. I’ve now read the Hansard and concluded that while the exchange and the voluminous contribution across the House was disorderly, there is no further action to be taken, and I would refer members, if they want greater clarification, to read the Hansard of question No. 10 from 23 July.

I’d like to thank the Hon Kieran McAnulty for directing me to the words of the former member of the seat of Ilam while he was shadow Leader of the House. It was fascinating and exceptionally good reading.