Parliamentary Debates (Hansard) - New Zealand Parliament

16 May 2009 Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill 3753
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Rick Barker): That is not a point of order; the
member knows that. It was simply an attempt to break up the member’s speech.
Hon David Cunliffe: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. This is a two-part point of
order. It is a longstanding convention in the House that members should be referred to
by their proper names. The member has referred to members opposite by the descriptor
“a member who does not live in his electorate”. The second part of the question is
whether that descriptor could apply to the member’s leader, when he has filled in a
primary place of residence form with an address in his electorate but does not actually
live there.
Hon Members: What is the point of order?
Hon David Cunliffe: The point of order is that, first, I seek the Chair’s guidance to
have an offensive remark removed; and, second, I seek clarification of whether an
epithet like “a member who does not live in his electorate” could apply to the speaker’s
own leader, who filled in a primary place of residence—
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Rick Barker): Neither point is a point of order.
The member will resume his seat.
PESETA SAM LOTU-IIGA: Mr Assistant Speaker, it is clear that we have had a
historic day today. It is 13 May, and I am glad to be part of a Government that is taking
action. I am glad to be part of a Government that has people like Rodney Hide, John
Carter, and the Hon John Key in it. I am proud to be part of a Government that does not
talk and sit on its heels for 9 years but takes action. We are leading this country into the
future. Whether or not members opposite like it, we will be leading this country for a
very long time.
I am in support of this bill. Thank you.
A party vote was called for on the question, That the Local Government (Auckland
Council) Bill be now read a first time.
Ayes 64
New Zealand National 58; ACT New Zealand 5; United Future 1.
Noes 51
New Zealand Labour 42; Green Party 5; Māori Party 4.
Bill read a first time.
Hon RODNEY HIDE (Minister of Local Government): I move that the Local
Government (Auckland Council) Bill be considered by the Auckland Governance
Legislation Committee.
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Rick Barker): The Clerk reminds me that there
was to be a report-back date.
Hon RODNEY HIDE: I can read the whole thing, if you like, Mr Assistant Speaker.
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Rick Barker): I think it would be very
important that you read the whole thing.
Hon RODNEY HIDE: I move, That the Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill
be considered by the Auckland Governance Legislation Committee and that the
committee report finally to the House on or before 4 September 2009.
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South): I raise a point of order, Mr
Speaker. The member had moved the motion. I do not think it is within the discretion of
the House to hear the second motion in any way other than as an amendment to the first
motion that he had moved. He moved it and sat down; he was finished. I do not think
that we can now give him a second chance to get it right. It is a matter that can be
corrected by way of a motion in the House properly put down by the Government to