Parliamentary Debates (Hansard) - New Zealand Parliament

16 May 2009 Local Government (Auckland Reorganisation) Bill 3681
motion before being told he was not to do that. So Mr Brownlee is not correct. I have
moved a motion, and I would like you to consider the motion I have moved.
Hon RODNEY HIDE (Minister of Local Government): A whole raft of
amendments have been tabled. Under Standing Order 293(1)(c), as Minister in charge of
this bill I require that consideration of this part be postponed to give the presiding
officer time to prepare the papers.
HONE HARAWIRA (Māori Party—Te Tai Tokerau): I raise a point of order, Mr
Chairperson.
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour—Hutt South): I can probably be helpful and
say that my reading of the Standing Orders means that you do not have any discretion in
this matter.
The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Rick Barker): Can I say to the honourable member on
this matter that I think I agree. I will confirm with the Clerk precisely the effect of this.
Hon JOHN CARTER (Associate Minister of Local Government): I raise a point
of order, Mr Chairperson. I may also be able to help the Committee.
HONE HARAWIRA (Māori Party—Te Tai Tokerau): I raise a point of order, Mr
Chairperson. I raised a point of order before Mr John Carter.
The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Rick Barker): Can I just first say to the honourable
Hone Harawira that I heard the point of order. I did not think it was particularly relevant
to this. The Hon Darren Hughes had moved a procedural motion. It is not debatable, it is
not about content and it is then for the Committee to decide. I have the choice of
whether I put the motion. I was in the process of making that decision. In the meantime
the situation has changed because the Minister in charge of the bill has exerted his right
under Standing Order 293(1)(c), which states: “the member in charge of the bill requires
that consideration or further consideration of a part or other provisions be postponed.”
The Minister is now saying that he is postponing consideration of that part, and that is
his right—it is his motion. If that right is exercised, then the debate on this stops. The
Hon John Carter has a point of order. Once I have dealt with his I will come back to the
member.
HONE HARAWIRA (Māori Party—Te Tai Tokerau): I raise a point of order, Mr
Chairman. I raised a second point of order before Mr John Carter rose to make a point
of order.
The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Rick Barker): I just told the member I am going to
listen to John Carter first and I will come back to that member second.
Hon JOHN CARTER (Associate Minister of Local Government): I am not
raising a new point; I am speaking to the point of order following that of Mr Mallard. I
am hoping to help the Committee by saying that you are quite right that the Minister, as
you have already stated, has the right to make that decision and postpone, and it is not
debatable. It is the right of the member in charge of the bill. That is the advice that I
have sought and that is the motion that—
The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Rick Barker): All right. I now call the honourable
member Hone Harawira.
HONE HARAWIRA (Māori Party—Te Tai Tokerau): I was simply going to say
that, although I respect the right of Mr Hughes to call for the motion to be taken, that
does not deny the right of other members to stand and ask for the call. Is that correct?
The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Rick Barker): No, that is not quite correct. Members
might stand to seek the call but once a member has sought and moved the motion that
the question be now put it is the Chair’s decision as to whether the question is put. If it
is put, the Committee will decide whether the question is put. If the Chair decides not to
take the motion, then of course the floor is open for other members to take a call at that
point.