Speaker Addresses Member Conduct Amid Treaty Principles Bill Vote Disruption on November 14th

In a parliamentary session held on November 14th, the Speaker addressed concerns over member conduct following disruptions during the voting process on the Treaty principles bill. The debate highlighted tensions between procedural decorum and cultural expression within the House.

The discussion centered on actions considered breaches of privilege after members engaged in a haka that disrupted proceedings. The Speaker emphasized that leaving seats to participate in disorderly conduct was unacceptable, as such actions could impede parliamentary functions. While acknowledging the cultural significance of haka, the Speaker deferred discussions on its appropriateness within parliamentary procedures to the Standing Orders Committee for review later that day.

The Speaker underscored the seriousness of interrupting a vote by naming Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke for such an action, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order during votes. The actions of Hon Peeni Henare, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Rawiri Waititi, and Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke were specifically scrutinized as they advanced towards other members' seats during the haka. These actions have been referred to the Privileges Committee for further consideration.

According to Standing Order 418, examples of contempts include threatening or intimidating a member in their duties. This context frames the inquiry into the conduct of the mentioned members. The Speaker's decision to refer these matters to the Privileges Committee reflects an effort to uphold parliamentary standards while addressing complex cultural dynamics.

As the House continues to navigate the balance between tradition and procedure, the outcomes of the Standing Orders Committee's review may set precedents for future conduct in parliament. This incident underscores ongoing debates about integrating cultural practices within formal legislative settings and preserving the integrity of parliamentary processes.

The debate surrounding the Treaty principles bill serves as a focal point for broader discussions on respect, tradition, and order within one of the nation's most important democratic spaces. The decisions made will likely influence how cultural expressions are accommodated in legislative environments moving forward.