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Last week, Finance Minister, Nicola Willis, announced her ‘growth' Budget for 2025. In the Budget, multiple initiatives received a boost in funding. Operational funding and capital funding for Māori education received a $54 million boost and $50 million boost respectively for Māori learner success, with a $14 million injection for Māori wardens, Pacific wardens, and the Māori women's welfare league. However, a variety of Māori initiatives have faced substantial cuts. The Māori Development Fund has had $20 million cut over four years, $32.5 million has been cut from Māori housing initiatives, and $375.5 million cut to the Kāhui Ako programme. Labour's Māori Development spokesperson, Willie Jackson, claims that overall, in Budget 2025, Māori initiatives are seeing cuts of roughly $750 million. For our weekly catchup, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp about Budget 2025 and it's impacts on Māori initiatives. They also spoke about the debate on the potential suspension of Te Pāti Māori co-leaders, Rawiri Waititi, and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, and MP Hana Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, being pushed back prior to the Budget debate. As well as this, notably, during the Budget debate itself, both Waititi and Ngarewa-Packer were absent. However, they first discussed the 2025 Budget and Māori initiatives
Questions to Ministers CAMERON BREWER to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the Government's fiscal position? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? CATHERINE WEDD to the Minister for Infrastructure: What recent reports has he seen about New Zealand's Infrastructure Pipeline? JENNY MARCROFT to the Minister for Rail: What recent announcements has the Government made regarding rail? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she agree with Hon Brooke van Velden that "the Government, under Minister Nicola Willis' pay equity reset, suggested that the funded sector would not be funded by the Government for pay equity"; if so, how much was set aside in Budget 2024 for the funded sector pay equity claims? SAM UFFINDELL to the Minister of Health: What recent announcements has he made on delivering new and improved urgent and after-hours services? Hon JAN TINETTI to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety: Does she stand by her statement that "the Government, under Minister Nicola Willis' pay equity reset, suggested that the funded sector would not be funded by the Government for pay equity"; if not, why not? Hon MARAMA DAVIDSON to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister of Education: Does she stand by all her statements and actions relating to pay equity? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? DANA KIRKPATRICK to the Associate Minister of Housing: What recent announcements has he made about building social housing?
This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catch up with Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, speaks to her about the Privileges Committee's recommendations to suspend co-leader's Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer for 21-days and MP Hana Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke for their haka during the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill, and the Waitangi Tribunals recommendations regarding the Regulatory Standards Bill. For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party, Producer Evie speaks to Simon Court about the Waitangi Tribunal recommending an ‘immediate halt' to the Regulatory Standards Bill and the government opening a review into the Waitangi Tribunal. Evie also spekas to The University of Auckland's Tom Baker about the government's newly announced Social Investment Fund. Joel speaks to Mark Thomas, an Associate Professor in Infectious Diseases at the University of Auckland, about the World Health Organisation declaring an outbreak of Polio in Papua New Guinea. Whakarongo mai.
The Privileges Committee report on Te Pāti Māori's haka last year will be debated and voted on next Tuesday, with Parliament's Speaker calling the proposed punishment 'very severe'. The Committee suggested Hana Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke be suspended for seven days - and co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi for 21 days. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls unpacked the ongoing issue. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Te Pāti Māori MPs will be temporarily suspended from Parliament for "acting in a manner that could have the effect of intimidating a member of the House" after performing a haka during the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill. Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke will be suspended for seven days, while co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi will be "severely censured" and suspended for 21 days.
Questions to Ministers CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? RYAN HAMILTON to the Minister of Finance: What recent announcements has she made on the Government's fiscal position? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by her statement this morning that "we need to keep pay equity claims able to be lodged and able to be progressed where they are claims genuinely based on gender-based discrimination"; if so, which of the 33 cancelled pay equity claims does she not think are genuine, if any? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? ANDY FOSTER to the Minister of Customs: What recent funding announcements has she made? Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL to the Minister of Health: How many health workers were part of the 17 funded health pay equity claims discontinued by the Government, and what was the total estimated cost of their outstanding claims? CARL BATES to the Minister of Transport: What announcements has he made regarding antisocial road users? Hon MARAMA DAVIDSON to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? RIMA NAKHLE to the Minister of Health: What recent data has he seen on childhood immunisations? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister of Education: When was she first made aware of the Government's changes to pay equity legislation, and what advice did she receive regarding its impact on the education profession, if any? TIM COSTLEY to the Minister of Education: What recent announcement has she made about accelerating maths achievement in New Zealand?
Te Pāti Māori MPs have again refused to attend a privileges hearing over their haka protest in Parliament, during the first reading of the Treaty Principles bill. Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Three Te Pāti Māori MPs, Hana Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, and Rawiri Waititi, did not attend the Privileges Committee over their contempt of the House, following their haka in Parliament protesting the Treaty Principles Bill. The party instead are planning on holding their own hearing regarding the matter. Privileges Committee chairwoman Judith Collins, called the no-show “unprecedented” and has given the MPs “one final chance” to attend the hearing. For our weekly catch up, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp about the party's action, and why they are going about the hearing in their own manner. We also spoke about the repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act passing its final reading. But first, we discussed the party not attending the Privileges Committee.
Today on the show... By refusing to front to parliament’s highest court - the powerful committee of senior MPs that make up the privileges committee - Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Rawiri Waititi and Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke practically signed their exit letter from the NZ parliament. Don't wanna play ball? Fine, you’re on your own. Will the privileges committee boot these activists down the road? You can only hope they have the balls to do it. And, what are our kids seeing online? Well, you can see it on full display at the Worst Children's Library where everything your kids might see when they turn on their phones is on full display. We talk to Holly Brooker, the woman behind it all to find out what this is all about. Plus, some Letters to the Editor! Website: https://www.rova.nz/home/podcasts/duncan-garner---editor-in-chief. Instagram: @DuncanGarnerpodcast TikTok: @DuncanGarnerpodcast
ACT Party leader David Seymour says Te Pāti Māori should be penalised for shunning their Privileges Committee hearing. Co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi instead called a press conference and confirmed they intended to hold their own hearing at Parliament on May 7. Seymour says he's not trying to influence the Committee - but he's suggested they recommend cutting the MPs' pay. "What you just heard is a group of people who will continue to undermine the institution of Parliament, and therefore those New Zealanders - the overwhelming majority of New Zealanders from every background who are grateful to live in one of the most successful Parliamentary democracies in human history - they're thumbing their noses at all of us." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Prime Minister ponders Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, the economy turning a corner, why a third of people polled think it’s the government’s job to provide school lunches, and whether Tamatha Paul, Benjamin Doyle, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi are the gift that keeps on giving.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Three MPs from Te Pati Maori say they will refuse to attend a hearing with Parliament's Privileges Committee tomorrow because their - quote fundamental rights - are being ignored. Party co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer plus Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke were summoned to face the committee over their peformance of a haka at the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill last year. Maori News Journalist Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira spoke to Lisa Owen.
The Privileges Committee will meet with or without Te Pati Māori. The party's refusing to front up for alleged threatening behaviour towards David Seymour during last year's Haka in the House. Co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi —along with Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke— have all been separately summoned. They say they haven't been allowed to appear together, at a time their lawyer can attend. Constitutional Law Expert Graeme Edgeler told Mike Hosking the committee will meet regardless. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Questions to Ministers RYAN HAMILTON to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the economy? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform: What is his reaction, if any, to the Kaiwhakahaere for Ngati Ruanui's statement regarding proposed changes to the RMA that "This move breaches both our settlement and the Government's obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi"? CATHERINE WEDD to the Minister of Justice: How is the Government progressing with its plan to restore stronger consequences for crime? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she agree that the Treasury is the Government's lead economic and financial adviser; if so, does she have confidence in advice from the Treasury? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Hon WILLIE JACKSON to the Minister for Maori Development: Is he across everything in his portfolio; if not, why not? SAM UFFINDELL to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What recent announcement has she made about the Annual General Adjustment? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister for Children: Does she stand by all her statements and actions? Dr CARLOS CHEUNG to the Minister of Police: What recent reports has he seen on the effectiveness of the community beat teams? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN to the Minister of Police: Does he stand by his statement regarding record levels of methamphetamine in waste-water testing, "Well, I don't know whether that's dealers dumping methamphetamine"; if not, why not? SCOTT WILLIS to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by his statement that "Our Government is focused on delivering timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders"; if so, has he contracted the build of the inpatient building for the Dunedin Hospital yet? Question to Member Hon Dr DUNCAN WEBB to the Chairperson of the Justice Committee: Will he report the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill to the House before all submissions have been processed and considered by members?
Questions to Ministers Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? DAN BIDOIS to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the economy? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by all her statements and actions? TOM RUTHERFORD to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform: What recent announcements has he made regarding the replacement of the Resource Management Act 1991? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN to the Minister for Economic Growth: Does she agree with the statement of Hon Nicola Willis, "On our watch there may be fewer people wearing lanyards on Lambton Quay, but there are going to be a lot more people wearing high-vis and hard-hats"; if so, why? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his Government's statements and actions? TODD STEPHENSON to the Minister of Internal Affairs: What recent announcements has she made about the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19? DANA KIRKPATRICK to the Minister for Infrastructure: What recent action has he taken on infrastructure growth? Hon PEENI HENARE to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by his statement regarding the health workforce, "understaffing-more fake news"; if not, why not? Hon MARAMA DAVIDSON to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? SUZE REDMAYNE to the Minister for Trade and Investment: What recent announcement has the Government made regarding New Zealand's trade relations with India?
Questions to Ministers JAMIE ARBUCKLE to the Minister for Rail: Does he stand by his statements and actions regarding Cook Strait ferries? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? LAURA McCLURE to the Associate Minister of Agriculture: What recent announcements has he made about positive health outcomes for pets? Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS to the Minister for Energy: Is he concerned that two international offshore wind investors have now withdrawn or paused their New Zealand projects, citing current Government policy as the reason; if not, why not? Dr VANESSA WEENINK to the Minister of Health: What recent announcements has he made on increasing penalties for illicit drug use? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister of Education: Does she stand by all her statements and actions? CARL BATES to the Minister of Immigration: What recent changes have been made to the Accredited Employer Work Visa to support businesses to access the skills and experience they need? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN to the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology: Does he agree with the Science System Advisory Group's finding, "Note the critical importance of the science and innovation workforce, and that actions will be needed at multiple levels to develop and retain a high calibre workforce of researchers, scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs"; if so, why? Hon MARAMA DAVIDSON to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? TIM VAN DE MOLEN to the Minister of State for Trade and Investment: What actions has the Government taken to support trade with South-east Asia? Hon PEENI HENARE to the Minister of Health: Is he committed to the same health outcomes for Maori as his immediate predecessor? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Minister for Whanau Ora: How many audits and reviews has Whanau Ora failed since its establishment in 2010, if any?
Today on the show... Debbie Ngarewa-Packer spent $39,000 on flights in three months - more than any other MP. Now, questions arise over a Cook Islands trip with her husband during Parliament. Who paid? Where did she go? And why won’t she say? And Jordan Williams, executive director of the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union, is just as worried as I am - he joins us for a chat. Website: https://www.rova.nz/home/podcasts/duncan-garner---editor-in-chief.html Instagram: @DuncanGarnerpodcast TikTok: @DuncanGarnerpodcast
Today on the show... I couldn't help but feel uneasy about this case. A man attended a protest, and the next week, he lost his job. Is this truly about company reputation, or is it a dangerous precedent for free speech and employment rights? Employment expert Max Whitehead weighs in on the legality, the inconsistencies in enforcement, and the broader implications for New Zealanders. And a Slam Dunc: Is the Māori Party fostering unity or fueling division? Debbie Ngarewa-Packer’s rhetoric raises concerns about race relations and leadership in New Zealand. Kiwis deserve better. Website: https://www.rova.nz/home/podcasts/duncan-garner---editor-in-chief.html Instagram: @DuncanGarnerpodcast TikTok: @DuncanGarnerpodcast
About 400 people - including Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer - have taken to the streets to protest the Cook Islands Prime Minister's recent decisions. The protest took place outside of parliament in Avarua, a day after Mark Brown returned from China where he signed several agreements. The biggest overarching framework, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, has just been made public. The New Zealand Government feels Mr Brown should have been more transparent over his deals that he signed with China. Caleb Fotheringham has more.
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 19th of February, a few questions are asked: What will the Reserve Bank do with the OCR? How did the peace talks between Russia and the US in Riyadh go? And what are the findings of the shocking report into the public service? The IPCA want a law change so police can better deal with protests that get out of hand. Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell talk Debbie Ngarewa-Packer in Rarotonga and the Brian Roche report on Politics Wednesday. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's controversy over a New Zealand MP taking part in an anti-government protest in the Cook Islands. Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer has taken part in a rally against Mark Brown's government over its new strategic partnership with China. The deal will see the countries cooperate more on trade, investment, and tourism, with China providing a $4 million grant for future projects. Labour's Ginny Andersen told Mike Hosking it's not something she would do, but different things do it for different people. She says that if she wants do go and do that and she's not breaking the law, then alright. National's Mark Mitchell agreed, saying that if he was travelling on personal business he wouldn't join a protest or interfere with the internal matters, but Ngarewa-Packer has chosen to inject herself into this situation, and that's up to her. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Questions to Ministers Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he have confidence in all his Ministers? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? SAM UFFINDELL to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the cost of living? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? CATHERINE WEDD to the Minister for Infrastructure: What recent milestones have been reached in the new fast-track consenting scheme? Hon MARAMA DAVIDSON to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i ana korero me ana mahi katoa? Does he stand by all his statements and actions? Hon KIERAN McANULTY to the Minister of Housing: Does he agree with Chris Bishop, National spokesperson for Housing's statement on 27 September 2022 that "We will build enough state and social houses so that there is no social housing waitlist"; if so, is the Government on track to eliminate the social housing waitlist? Dr CARLOS CHEUNG to the Minister of Immigration: What recent announcements has she made about attracting more global investment to New Zealand? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i ana korero me ana mahi katoa? Does he stand by all of his statements and actions? MARK CAMERON to the Minister for Biosecurity: What recent announcements has he made in his portfolio? Hon PHIL TWYFORD to the Minister of Immigration: What projections, if any, has she seen on the amount of money expected to be invested through each category of her Active Investor Plus visa for the next three years, and what is the projected cost of these new residents using the public health system over the same three years? DAVID MacLEOD to the Associate Minister of Housing: What recent announcements has he made about Maori housing? Questions to Members Hon JO LUXTON to the Chairperson of the Health Committee: How many submissions, if any, have been received on the Gene Technology Bill? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee: How many submissions, if any, have been received on the Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Amendment Bill? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee: How many submissions, if any, have been received on the Social Security Amendment Bill?
Questions to Ministers CAMERON BREWER to the Minister for Economic Growth: What are her priorities for the economic growth portfolio? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? MIKE BUTTERICK to the Minister of Transport: What announcements has he made regarding speed limits? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: What responsibility, if any, does she have for economic growth, and does the current recession reflect on her execution of that responsibility? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? Hon PEENI HENARE to the Minister of Health: Is he committed to equitable healthcare for all New Zealanders; if not, why not? CARL BATES to the Minister of Education: What actions has the Government taken to lift achievement in literacy and numeracy as part of its plan to teach the basics brilliantly? Hon KIERAN McANULTY to the Associate Minister of Housing: Does he agree with Andrew Crisp, Chief Executive of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, who said that "both the register and people that apply does not represent effectively ... severe housing deprivation"; if so, is he confident that the need for emergency housing has reduced? NANCY LU to the Minister for Trade and Investment: What recent announcements has the Government made about boosting economic growth? CUSHLA TANGAERE-MANUEL to the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality: How many additional tourists are projected to visit New Zealand as a result of the digital nomads policy, and what, if any, is the estimated amount of economic benefit from this policy? RICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH to the Minister for Child Poverty Reduction: Does she accept that children living in material hardship are more likely to do poorer in school due to a lack of food; if so, why did the Government remove food insecurity from the Child Poverty Related Indicators?
Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka's new-look Waitangi Tribunal has been labelled a "whitewash" by Te Pāti Māori. Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.
Te Pāti Māori says the Electoral Commission should not have apologised for using Manurewa marae as a voting place. Political reporter Russell Palmer spoke to co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer about the Public Service Commission's subsequent inquiry.
Questions to Ministers NANCY LU to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the economy? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister for Rail: Does he agree with the statement of the Minister of Finance that "the Government's alternative ferry solution for the Cook Strait will cost less than the iRex project"; if so, how much will the total Crown contribution be, compared to the $2.2 billion Crown contribution that was planned for project iRex? TIM VAN DE MOLEN to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform: Why is the Government progressing the Fast-track Approvals Bill? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS to the Minister of Climate Change: What proportion of total emissions cuts projected between the period 2026-2035 are attributed to unproven or disproven technologies? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? TODD STEPHENSON to the Associate Minister of Justice: How is the Government proposing to strengthen the Sentencing (Reinstating Three Strikes) Amendment Bill? SUZE REDMAYNE to the Minister of Agriculture: What actions has the Government taken to protect highly productive food-producing land in New Zealand? Hon PEENI HENARE to the Minister for Maori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti: Does he stand by his statements regarding the Maori-Crown relationship? Hon SCOTT SIMPSON to the Minister of Conservation: What recent announcements has he made about Mautohe Cathedral Cove?
Te Pāti Māori says it expects rules will change to accommodate haka in Parliament. Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer spoke to Corin Dann.
Questions to Ministers Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? SAM UFFINDELL to the Minister of Finance: What recent announcements has she made on banking? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by her statement that "We have a responsibility to ensure the public gets value for its money"; if so, is she confident that the Government's alternative ferries will be less than the $551 million contract with Hyundai that was cancelled? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister for Children: Does she stand by all her statements and actions in relation to the Military-Style Academy Pilot and youth offending; if so, why? CAMERON BREWER to the Minister of Transport: What recent announcements has he made on restoring democratic accountability to transport in Auckland? SCOTT WILLIS to the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology: Is she comfortable with her decision to cut social sciences and humanities research from the Marsden Fund; if so, why? Dr VANESSA WEENINK to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What recent announcements has the Government made regarding new work-focused support for people on jobseeker benefits? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN to the Minister of Police: Does he stand by his statement, "Having considered my performance over the last year in Government, I believe that I have delivered on my promise for New Zealanders to see change in my first 12 months as Police Minister"; if so, why? DAVID MacLEOD to the Minister for Building and Construction: What announcements has he made around reducing the cost of building? JENNY MARCROFT to the Associate Minister for Energy: What recent announcements has he made regarding fuel security?
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 11th of December, the new Cook Strait ferry plan will be announced today, and Heather du Plessis-Allan got some thoughts ahead of time. Debbie Ngarewa-Packer has some genius numbers around a capital gains tax that might be ever so slightly off... by 20 times more than we've ever looked at. Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell spar over ferries, police numbers, and accountability on Politics Wednesday. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Speaker of the House has ruled on MPs from Te Pati Maori and Labour - for their role in the haka in the House protesting the Treaty Principles Bill. Gerry Brownlee has referred Labour's Peeni Henare and Te Pāti Māori's Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Rawiri Waititi, and Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke to the Privileges Committee. Newstsalk ZB political correspondent Barry Soper says the group violated the 'sanctity' of Parliament - and the rules need to be upheld. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke (Waikato, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou, Te Āti Awa, and Ngāi Tahu) performed a haka on the floor of New Zealand's Parliament, she brought global awareness of the constant colonial pressure to dismantle established rights for Indigenous people. In the viral video, she dramatically tears apart a proposed bill that would weaken Māori political standing established in a nearly 200 year-old treaty between the Crown and 500 Māori chiefs. She was suspended ... for a bill that may never become law. The fight in New Zealand exemplifies a resurgence in efforts to backtrack on the gains in recognition and respect for established Indigenous rights. Plus, we'll get Indigenous perspectives on the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference COP29 in Azerbaijan that just wrapped up. There is growing concern and dissatisfaction that the concerns of Indigenous people about their vulnerabilities to the effects of climate change are going unheard. GUESTS Professor Margaret Mutu (Ngāti Kahu, Te Rarawa, and Ngāti Whātua), Ngāti Kahu leader and professor of Māori Studies at the University of Auckland Debbie Ngarewa-Packer (Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāruahine, and Ngā Rauru), Member of Parliament and co-leader of Te Pāti Māori Professor Janine Hayward, professor of politics at the University of Otago Tom Goldtooth (Diné and Mdewakanton Dakota), executive director of the Indigenous Environmental Network
Departing All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara included a message of support for Te Tiriti during the haka against Italy on Saturday. Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
With David Seymour and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Benjamin Doyle.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found a police officer's fatal shooting of Taranaki man Kaoss Price in 2022 likely amounted to excessive force but has not filed charges. Te Pati Maori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer spoke to Corin Dann.
Questions to Ministers Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? KAHURANGI CARTER to the Minister for Children: Will she commit to retaining strategic partnerships with iwi and Maori organisations, as recommended in the select committee report on the repeal of section 7AA; if not, why not? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by her statement, "we had set a very clear plan that it will allow the books to return to an OBEGAL surplus in 2027/28"; if so, is she committed to reaching an OBEGAL surplus no matter the cost? STUART SMITH to the Minister of Finance: What information has she recently released to improve agencies' accountability for Government investments? Hon JAN TINETTI to the Minister of Education: Does she agree with National MP Erica Stanford, who, in May 2023, said, "The public and school bus systems are failing us. Every day buses are canceled leaving people stranded. Kids are being left behind when trying to get to school"; if so, why are school bus routes to close up and down the country? TODD STEPHENSON to the Minister for Regulation: What recent announcements has he made? DANA KIRKPATRICK to the Minister of Justice: What actions is the Government taking to reduce harm caused by gangs and to make communities safer? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Lead Coordination Minister for the Government's Response to the Royal Commission's Report into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions: Does she accept the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care's findings, including that one of the contributing factors to neglect and abuse in care was the lack of legislation specific to care settings that gave effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi; if not, why not? Dr CARLOS CHEUNG to the Minister of Police: What new tools will Police have from tomorrow to crack down on gangs? Hon Dr DUNCAN WEBB to the Minister of Justice: Is he confident that the Human Rights Commission is politically independent; if so, why? MIKE BUTTERICK to the Minister for Trade: What actions has the Government taken to grow New Zealand's economy and increase farm-gate returns for farmers and growers? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions?
After nine days on the march, Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti ended with one of the largest demonstrations Parliament has ever seen. Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer spoke to Corin Dann.
The Treaty Principles Bill has passed its first reading in Parliament. The first reading was filled with interjections and heckling by Opposition MPs before the vote was cast. Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Questions to Ministers CARL BATES to the Minister for Social Investment: What recent reports has she seen on progress in social investment? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all the Government's statements and actions? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? TIM COSTLEY to the Minister of Transport: What recent announcements has he made on the Kapiti Expressway speed limit? Hon WILLIE JACKSON to the Minister for Maori Development: Does he stand by his statement, "Te Tiriti o Waitangi is foundational for our country"; if not, why not? KATIE NIMON to the Associate Minister of Transport: What recent announcement has the Government made regarding funding support to strengthen front-line volunteer service organisations? CAMERON BREWER to the Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing: What recent steps has the Government taken to improve payment times for small businesses? Hon PEENI HENARE to the Minister for Maori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti: Does he stand by his answer to oral question No. 11 on 7 November 2024 that "There are a number of matters that have strengthened the Maori-Crown relationship"; if so, why? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Minister for Maori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti: Does he consider that the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill threatens the continued existence of the Maori-Crown relationship? TAMATHA PAUL to the Minister of Justice: Does he have confidence that the Government is upholding the rule of law and Aotearoa's constitutional arrangements? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister of Education: Is she committed to the purpose of the Education and Training Act 2020 that establishes and regulates an education system that "honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi and supports Maori-Crown relationships"; if so, how? TOM RUTHERFORD to the Minister for Land Information: What announcements has the Government made on removing roadblocks to building infrastructure?
Questions to Ministers Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? DAVID MacLEOD to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the economy? TAMATHA PAUL to the Minister for Children: Will private for-profit organisations be able to run military-style academies and use force against young people? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by her statement that FamilyBoost "will make a difference to more than 100,000 Kiwi families"; if so, why have fewer than half of that number actually received it so far? MIKE BUTTERICK to the Minister of Education: What update can she provide about her Make it Count action plan? Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL to the Associate Minister of Health: Does she stand by all of her statements and actions regarding her release of official information? KAHURANGI CARTER to the Minister for Children: Is she concerned that rangatahi in care and protection residences have not been given access to the basics, like healthcare, education, and freedom from violence, as Mana Mokopuna identified happening at Epuni? CATHERINE WEDD to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What recent reports has she seen on the time spent by people on welfare? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister for Children: Does she stand by her statement that "this military-style academy has nothing to do with the boot camps of the past, which were absolutely horrendous"; if so, does she support giving third-party military-style academy providers the power to use force against young people? MILES ANDERSON to the Minister for Trade: What actions has the Government taken to support trade with the Middle East? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his Government's statements and actions? Hon Dr DUNCAN WEBB to the Minister of Justice: Does he consider that all of the appointments he has made or recommended are suitably qualified and appropriately politically neutral?
Questions to Ministers Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? STUART SMITH to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on Government finances? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by her statement that "The Government will continue to take swift action to rebuild the economy in the interests of all New Zealanders"; if so, why, after 315 days, has there been no decision announced on the Cook Strait ferries? KATIE NIMON to the Minister of Transport: What recent announcements has he made on the Hawke's Bay Expressway Road of National Significance? ARENA WILLIAMS to the Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing: Does he stand by his statement, "obviously, people have different perceptions about what went on but I don't want to get into who said what"; if so, what is his account of what happened between him and the worker on 3 October 2024 for which he has apologised? GREG FLEMING to the Minister of Justice: What actions is the Government taking to ensure criminals face stronger consequences for crime? RICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH to the Minister of Immigration: What changes, if any, is the Government making to visa settings to support exploited migrants in response to the fourfold increase in migrant exploitation complaints over the last financial year? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? Hon JAN TINETTI to the Minister of Education: Does she stand by her statement that "We know it will take time to increase attendance rates but this government expects kids to be in school"; if so, how does she reconcile this with the closing of school bus routes across the country? SUZE REDMAYNE to the Minister of Agriculture: What actions is the Government taking to support the primary sector? MARK CAMERON to the Associate Minister of Justice: What announcement has she made about strengthening the Sentencing (Reinstating Three Strikes) Amendment Bill?
Questions to Ministers Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? RYAN HAMILTON to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the economy? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she agree with the statement of National finance spokesperson Nicola Willis that "National will stop the waste and restore discipline to government spending, while protecting all frontline services"; if so, why? DARLEEN TANA to the Minister of Conservation: What does he say in response to the co-chair of the Hauraki Gulf Forum's description of his Government's decision to allow commercial fishing within new marine protected areas as being "bewildering" and "catastrophic"? ANDY FOSTER to the Minister of Customs: What details can she provide about recent drug seizures at the border? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL to the Associate Minister of Health: Does she stand by her statement in relation to heated tobacco products that "I wasn't aware that ... the products that were on the market were not going to be compliant with the 1st of October changes"; if so, why? TIM COSTLEY to the Minister for Infrastructure: What announcements has he made regarding the Fast-track Approvals Bill? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister for Children: Does she stand by her statement, "If funding has been withdrawn from a provider, it's because they are either under-delivering the services that children and young people need, or other providers are better placed to deliver those services, or it's just not core business"; if so, is she concerned that the Auditor-General has opened an inquiry into Oranga Tamariki's procurement and contract management practices? CATHERINE WEDD to the Minister of Health: What recent announcements has he made about increasing childhood vaccination rates? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? Hon PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN to the Minister of Conservation: Does he stand by his statement that his Government is committed to "restoring the health and mauri of the Hauraki Gulf/Tikapa Moana" and that this will "enhance the area for generations to come"; if so, why is he proposing to allow commercial fishing in high protection areas?
TIM VAN DE MOLEN to the Minister of Finance: What is the Government's revenue strategy? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? KATIE NIMON to the Minister for Infrastructure: What recent announcements has he made on actions to improve New Zealand's infrastructure system? TANYA UNKOVICH to the Minister of Customs: What updates does she have about recent drug seizures at the border? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: What will it cost to upgrade port facilities for Interislander ferries, and who will pay, given her comment that "It will, of course, cost something to upgrade port facilities"? Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER to the Minister of Transport: How many public transport improvement projects that were bid for by regional and local councils were funded in the National Land Transport Programme 2024-27 and how many did not receive funding? Hon WILLIE JACKSON to the Associate Minister of Justice: Does he agree with all of the Government's statements and actions in respect of the Treaty Principles Bill; if so, why? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN to the Associate Minister of Justice: Does she agree with the Ministry of Justice's advice that her proposal to change the regulations on gun clubs and shooting ranges "increases safety risks to range users and members of the public"; if not, why not? DAVID MacLEOD to the Minister of Transport: How is the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport delivering for New Zealanders? TANGI UTIKERE to the Minister of Transport: Does he stand by all his statements and actions in relation to the recent announcement of the National Land Transport Programme? TAMATHA PAUL to the Minister of Corrections: What consultation, if any, did he undertake with Maori before the Government decided the Treaty provisions should be removed from the Corrections Amendment Bill, and is he concerned that this decision will increase the overrepresentation of Maori within our prisons?
Questions to Ministers CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? STUART SMITH to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the economy? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by her statement, "We've acted swiftly to root-out waste, reduce bureaucracy and move resources from the back-office to the front line"; if so, is she confident New Zealanders have gained more from the tax cuts than they lost from the Budget 2024 baseline savings exercise? KATIE NIMON to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the banking sector? RICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Has she read the analysis in the Welfare Expert Advisory Group's 2019 report that "There is little evidence in support of using obligations and sanctions (as in the current system) to change behaviour; rather, there is research indicating that they compound social harm and disconnectedness"; if so, what specific evidence, if any, has she seen that benefit sanctions support people into employment? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI to the Minister for Disability Issues: Does she stand by all her statements made during the Disability Issues Estimates hearing at the Social Services and Community Committee on 19 June 2024? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister for Children: How many Oranga Tamariki community service providers, if any, have had their funding increased, and by how much, if anything, as a result of the Budget 2024 Reduction in Contracting Service Costs? JOSEPH MOONEY to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What recent announcements has the Government made about supporting people on the jobseeker benefit into work? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN to the Associate Minister of Justice: Does she stand by her statement, "Good legislation involves everybody, and bad legislation is usually when somebody goes off and does something by themselves ... I'm never going to be arrogant enough to think that I have the answers to everything"; if so, why? Dr HAMISH CAMPBELL to the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology: What recent announcement has the Government made about gene technology?
Te Pāti Māori says a proposal to shift some of the Office of Māori Crown Relations' responsibilities to the Ministry of Māori Development will not improve relations with Māori. Te Pāti Māori Co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Questions to Ministers Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? NANCY LU to the Minister of Finance: What approach is the Government taking to managing spending and reprioritisation in Budget 2025? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by her statement, "Our Budget was very deliberate in the funding of core priorities because our priorities are the same priorities as New Zealanders"; if so, is she concerned that her priorities are disconnected from everyday New Zealanders? GRANT McCALLUM to the Minister of Education: What evidence has she seen to support her recent announcement on Make it Count, an action plan to transform maths education in New Zealand? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Hon WILLIE JACKSON to the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage: Does he think it is appropriate that te reo Maori be used in an invitation for Matariki, a distinct holiday to celebrate the Maori New Year; if not, why not? Dr CARLOS CHEUNG to the Minister of Justice: What actions is the Government taking to reduce harm caused by gangs and make communities safer? Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL to the Minister of Health: Is it correct that he was advised of Health New Zealand's plan to block early access to the cancer drug Keytruda on Friday 2 August, and that he did not take action to address this issue until after it was made public? TODD STEPHENSON to the Minister of Internal Affairs: What recent announcements has she made about passports? KAHURANGI CARTER to the Minister for Children: Does she stand by the Government's Budget description of the Oranga Tamariki Contracting Service Costs savings initiative that "This initiative improves the efficiency of service delivery, with no reduction in frontline services"; if so, how is Oranga Tamariki ensuring no reduction in frontline service provision? Hon Dr DEBORAH RUSSELL to the Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills: Does she stand by her statement that "the previous government's Te Pukenga mega-merger has been nothing but an abject disaster"; if so, why?
Questions to Ministers MARK CAMERON to the Minister for Regulation: What initiatives, if any, is the Ministry for Regulation working on to improve the quality of regulations in New Zealand? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? MILES ANDERSON to the Minister of Finance: What is the operating allowance for Budget 2025? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by her statement, "Our Budget was very deliberate in the funding of core priorities because our priorities are the same priorities as New Zealanders"; if so, is she concerned that her choices are disconnected from everyday New Zealanders? TANYA UNKOVICH to the Associate Minister for Energy: What recent announcements has he made regarding fuel security? CATHERINE WEDD to the Minister of Education: What recent announcements has she made about transforming maths education? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister for Children: Does she stand by her statement that "stakeholder groups, Opposition parties, Governments, and Maori have all called for Oranga Tamariki to change. This is what change looks like"; if so, why? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? SUZE REDMAYNE to the Minister of Police: What feedback has he seen about Police's community beat patrols? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN to the Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence: Does she stand by her statement regarding the availability of services that support victims of family violence, "sometimes it's not about just throwing extra money at stuff. It's about making sure that the money is going to the right places. And we're working through where those gaps are and where the money we have currently got isn't being spent well and focusing it to where it is being spent well. So that is a process, and that takes time"; if so, when will that process be completed? CAMERON BREWER to the Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills: What recent actions have been taken to begin public consultation on the redesign of the vocational education and training system?
Questions to Ministers CATHERINE WEDD to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the economy? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? CAMERON LUXTON to the Minister for Children: What recent announcements has she made about addressing youth crime? Dr CARLOS CHEUNG to the Minister of Health: What steps has the Government taken to improve the performance of Health New Zealand and to deliver better health outcomes for New Zealanders? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by her statement that "The Budget we delivered in May was a careful combination of investment in frontline services whilst also continuing to do our bit to keep inflation down"; if so, did she refuse any requests of funding for additional frontline services? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his Government's statements and actions? CARL BATES to the Minister of Transport: What recent announcements has he made about fixing potholes? Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL to the Associate Minister of Health: Is it correct that annual returns submitted to the Ministry of Health show $4,044,956.49 worth of heated tobacco products were sold in New Zealand in 2022, and that $3,924,816.06 of those sales were by the tobacco company Philip Morris? RIMA NAKHLE to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What changes has the Government made to support young people into work? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Minister for Maori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti: Does he believe that the Government has a responsibility to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN to the Minister of Police: Does he stand by his statement relating to his position as Minister of Police, "Absolutely, I stand by my statement that if people haven't seen a change, then I should leave and someone else should come in"? HUHANA LYNDON to the Minister of Health: In what specific sectors of Te Whatu Ora has overspending occurred, and was it raised with him in the last eight months of the Crown observer appointment?
THREE KEY FACTS: Former Green MP Darleen Tana will remain as an independent MP “as long as this place allows me” The Greens say Tana misled the party during an inquiry into claims of migrant exploitation at her husband's business The Green Party will now consider whether to use the waka-jumping law to try to expel her. The Green Party will consider this weekend whether to try to force former Green MP Darleen Tana out of Parliament after Tana rejected co-leader Chloe Swarbrick's request to resign and confirmed she would stay in Parliament as an independent MP. Tana returned to Parliament on Tuesday and was declared an independent MP by Speaker Gerry Brownlee, later telling media she intended to stay on. “I'm here now and doing the mahi ... as long as this place allows me.” As she finished speaking to reporters, Tana said she needed to get back to the House because she was the “only person there and I don't have anybody backing me up”. While the Green Party will decide at its annual conference this weekend whether to invoke the waka jumping law to kick Tana out of Parliament, Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer have not ruled out taking Tana into their party if she wants it. Swarbrick – who had publicly urged Tana to resign as an MP after a report on alleged migrant exploitation at Tana's husband's business – said on Tuesday afternoon she had only heard through the media that Tana intended to stay on. “Our caucus and party will be taking next steps with this in mind and will have more to say in due course.” Earlier, Swarbrick had said the party would consider whether to use the waka-jumping law at its annual conference this weekend. If they did use the waka-jumping law, she said it would not be without sign-off from the wider party. Swarbrick said a number of party members had expressed frustration about the situation. She said the best option would have been for Tana to resign. Swarbrick said if the party was “in a situation where we have to explore other options, then we will have those sensitive conversations at our AGM this coming weekend”. “I can be pretty clear with you that there are a number of members across the country who have reached out to me, incredibly frustrated about the situations and about Darleen Tana's unwillingness to take responsibility for what's happened here.” Former Green list MP Darleen Tana speaking to media at Parliament in Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell Waititi and Ngarewa-Packer said they had not yet had any discussions with Tana about joining Te Pāti Māori. Asked if they would take Tana if she asked, Ngarewa-Packer said that was “a discussion that needs to still happen”. “We never leave Māori behind. We've always been open about that. It's a treacherous place.” When spoken to by the Herald yesterday, Ngarewa-Packer said they had just seen Tana for the first time that day “and mihi to her because there was a camera in her face the whole time. We know what it's like to be unwanted in that place so we acknowledged her in that place”. Tana is now seated right at the back of Parliament's debating chamber – the area is dubbed “Siberia” – and her office has been moved out of the Greens' wing to the Parliamentary Library. She was suspended in March after allegations of migrant exploitation involving her husband Christian Hoff-Nielsen's bicycle company. NZ First leader Winston Peters said the Green Party was reluctant to use the waka-jumping law because it had originally got into Parliament by jumping ship from the Alliance to form the Greens, “so they are caught by their past”. He said there was no justification for an MP to remain in such circumstances, but noted Tana's husband's bike business was now in liquidation. He asked what was going on with the Greens' selection processes: “You've got chaos going on here.” - by Claire Trevett and Julia Gabel, NZ HeraldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Questions to Ministers SAM UFFINDELL to the Minister of Finance: What recent announcements has she made about personal income tax? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his Government's statements and actions? Dr HAMISH CAMPBELL to the Minister of Health: What recent announcements has the Government made about increasing access to medicines? Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by her statement that "I can swear, better times are ahead"; if so, how many additional people will be unemployed in 2025 according to her Budget? LAURA TRASK to the Associate Minister of Health: What announcements has he made about delivering more medicines to New Zealanders? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his Government's statements and actions? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Does she stand by all her statements made at the Estimates hearing of the Social Services and Community Committee on 19 June? Dr VANESSA WEENINK to the Minister of Education: What recent announcements has she made about specialist schools in New Zealand? TANGI UTIKERE to the Minister for State Owned Enterprises: Can he guarantee that the Government's replacement ferries for the Cook Strait will be cheaper than those to be delivered in the cancelled iReX project; if not, why not? TAMATHA PAUL to the Minister for Children: Does she agree with the Chief Children's Commissioner, who said on the creation of the Young Serious Offender category and military-style bootcamps that she wants "to see an approach that helps to rehabilitate these young people and help them on to a better pathway, rather than labelling them"; if not, is she taking an approach that will have "unnecessarily punitive impacts" on young people? TOM RUTHERFORD to the Minister of Police: What recent announcements has Police made about deployments in our city centres?
On today's episode, Labour leader Chris Hipkins joins us to discuss tomorrow's budget, Te Pati Maori are urging people to protest the Government's policies on Thursday - Budget Day, we hear from co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, tax cuts are also in focus ahead of the budget, RNZ money correspondent Susan Edmunds crunches the numbers, demand is outstripping supply for radiation therapy, and Nathan Rarere discusses a beloved competition.