Parliamentary Debate Addresses Privileges Committee Report on Tākuta Ferris

In a recent parliamentary session held on October 25, members convened to discuss a report by the Privileges Committee concerning allegations against Tākuta Ferris of Te Pāti Māori—Te Tai Tonga. The focus was on whether Mr. Ferris deliberately misled Parliament by denying he made a specific statement during proceedings.

The session began with Hon Dr Duncan Webb (Labour—Christchurch Central), deputy chair of the Privileges Committee, presenting the report. He detailed that on September 24, 2024, it was ruled that Jamie Arbuckle's concerns about Mr. Ferris' denial raised a question of privilege. The committee found that by denying he made the statement in question during the general debate on September 18, 2024, Mr. Ferris may have deliberately misled the House, constituting contempt.

Hon Scott Simpson (Senior Whip—National) supported the report, emphasizing the critical role language plays within Parliament. He reiterated that Mr. Ferris' denial was a deliberate attempt to mislead and thus constituted contempt under Standing Order 418. Mr. Simpson highlighted that Parliament relies on the integrity and honesty of its members for effective governance.

The debate also included remarks from other committee participants who endorsed the findings. Dr. Parmjeet Parmer (ACT) supported the committee's conclusions, pointing out inconsistencies between Mr. Ferris' statements and recorded evidence. She emphasized the necessity for MPs to adhere to parliamentary rules to maintain trust in democratic institutions. Ricardo Menéndez March (Green) also backed the report, stressing that acknowledging truthfulness is fundamental to Parliament's function.

A point of contention arose regarding cultural considerations surrounding Mr. Ferris' apology. Hon Shane Jones (Minister for Regional Development) criticized the apology for being delivered solely in te reo Māori during a session on October 24, arguing it showed a lack of respect for English-speaking members. He called for greater humility and adherence to parliamentary traditions among MPs.

In response, Tākuta Ferris accepted the ruling but defended his use of te reo Māori, asserting that his apology was sincere and meaningful. At 46 years old and holding three undergraduate degrees and a master's degree, Mr. Ferris highlighted his understanding of both languages and reiterated his commitment to parliamentary duties. He expressed willingness to engage further on this issue outside the parliamentary setting.

The debate concluded with the House agreeing to note the report and its recommendations, indicating acceptance of Mr. Ferris' apology as delivered last night. This session underscored ongoing tensions between maintaining parliamentary decorum and respecting cultural expressions within New Zealand's bilingual framework.

In summary, the resolution reflects Parliament's commitment to upholding integrity while navigating complex cultural dynamics. The unanimous agreement on the motion underscores a collective desire to move forward constructively, acknowledging both procedural adherence and the importance of cultural sensitivity in legislative discourse.