Personal Explanations — Unparliamentary Language—References to Presiding Officer
Point of order, Mr Speaker. I seek leave to make a personal explanation regarding an allegation made about my conduct in the House.
💬 SPEAKER: When was the conduct?
On 17 September.
💬 SPEAKER: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There appears to be none.
During proceedings on 17 September, a member alleged that a comment I made was directed at the Assistant Speaker. That is incorrect. I was speaking to my colleague Oriini Kaipara. My comment was not directed at the Assistant Speaker, and I did not call the Assistant Speaker that word. The allegation has subsequently been repeated publicly in a way that suggests I directed an offensive term at the Speaker. I did not. I make this personal explanation to correct the record and because I will not allow an allegation about my conduct towards the Speaker to stand uncorrected. Kia ora rā.
💬 SPEAKER: I thank the member for that clarification and for the recognition, too, that it is an unacceptable word to use in Parliament.
🗣️ Spoke in this debate (1)
- Debbie Ngarewa-Packer (Māori Party — Member for Te Tai Hauāuru)