Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has firmly rejected any attempts to lessen the proposed sanctions against three Te Pāti Māori MPs.
He stated that his party fully accepts the serious recommendations put forth by the Privilege Committee, which Speaker Gerry Brownlee described as “very severe”.
MPs are gearing up for a potentially lengthy debate tomorrow night as Parliament’s Privileges Committee report is set for discussion in the House.
Last week, the committee recommended a 21-day suspension for Te Pāti Māori’s co-leaders for their haka during the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill. MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, who initiated the haka but later expressed regret, faces a seven-day suspension.
Speaker Brownlee emphasized the need for MPs to carefully consider the matter before confirming the punishment, stating that a thorough debate must take place before a decision is reached.
Luxon, addressing the media on Monday, affirmed his party’s support for the Privileges Committee’s decision and stated that no concessions will be entertained.
When questioned about the length of the recommended suspension, Luxon confirmed that National’s caucus stands united on the issue.
He emphasized that the decision lies with the opposition on whether to prolong the debate, but suggested that “reasonable-minded New Zealanders” would not approve of unnecessary delays.
Will the opposition engage in filibustering?
Likewise, Labour leader Chris Hipkins mentioned that his MPs will convene as a caucus on Tuesday morning to discuss their strategy.
Hipkins expressed reservations about filibustering, stating that there are more pressing matters to address. However, he also noted that the proposed sanction represents a significant escalation compared to previous punishments.
He criticized the proposed 21-day suspension as an extreme measure, likening it to actions seen in authoritarian regimes rather than in a functioning democracy.
Labor reached out to National to discuss a more suitable sanction, but received no indication of interest in dialogue from the Prime Minister’s comments.
A Green Party spokesperson stated that they will closely scrutinize the decision.
If the debate extends beyond the House’s usual adjournment time on Tuesday, the Speaker will decide whether to continue the debate on Wednesday or adjourn it until after the Budget session in early June.
