Podcasts about speaker trevor mallard

Winston Peters says behaviour in Parliament has become degrading. It comes after a recommendation three Te Pati Māori MPs be suspended for their haka in the house, and Minister Brooke van Velden said the c-word. Yesterday he launched a broadside on X against the actions taken in Parliament, saying the House of Representatives has become a House of Chaos. The Deputy Prime Minister told Mike Hosking standards have slipped, and it's the Speaker's job to rein it in. He says the rot started under former Speaker Trevor Mallard, when he loosened dress standards. “As Steven Maharey, the former MP and Minister from Palmerston North said, once you let down dress and other standards, everything else will be let down as well and to be debased – and that's exactly what's happened.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This IPCA report into how police handled the Parliamentary protest last year is not good for Andrew Coster. Frontline police come out of this really well, they clearly did the best they could in really difficult situations. When you read this report and listen again to what happened that day, the bricks being hurled at police, the violence of that hard-line crowd left at the end - it's hard not to be impressed by the front line officers and how the vast majority of them held their cool and cleaned that place up without a huge amount of injury. They did that while being very obviously let down by their bosses, that is indisputable from this report. Police National Headquarters let those officers down in a number of ways that have been recorded in this report, but two stand out to me as the worst. The first one is February 10, that was the first time the police tried to clear Parliament's grounds. You might remember that the police formed a big line in the morning and started pushing people back towards the tents. They started arresting protestors, but in the end got nowhere and gave up that afternoon.  That day is a shambles. It was never going to succeed and it is squarely on Andrew Coster. Because he made the call personally to conduct that operation in a hurry. What happened was that the night before, a bunch of Government ministers and the Speaker Trevor Mallard met together, decided they wanted the place cleaned up, and then called Andrew Coster. After that, Coster decided he wanted an operation and made the order. Wellington police were told at 10pm they needed to clean the place up. At 8 the next morning, the operation started but police were unprepared. They didn't have enough time to plan, so they didn't have a plan, they didn't have enough staff, they didn't have enough equipment. It was obvious before midday the operation would fail, but they kept going until 20 to five before calling it off. As the report says: The operation that Andrew Coster ordered was unlikely to succeed. Then the second failure- on the day that they actually managed to clear the place, March 2nd, they sent officers in without enough equipment. The officers weren't allowed hard body armour in case it made the protestors angry. One sergeant borrowed 2 tasers to share between his three squads of up to 20 people, and they brought in recruits who hadn't even graduated yet. The guy who borrowed the tasers ended up with a broken clavicle, that is how rough it got in there. I don't think this is resignation material for Coster because the worst didn't happen. No one died. There were few injuries in the end. The grounds were cleared. And he can thank the front line for saving his skin on that. But it's hard to see him being reappointed when his term is up in a couple of years. Because this report gives the impression of a guy who consistently doesn't know the right call to make. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taxpayers are expected to cover at least $55,000 in legal fees following former Speaker Trevor Mallard's trespassing of Winston Peters from Parliament. Winston Peters was the most high-profile name issued a trespass notice for attending the 23 day vaccine mandate protest outside Parliament earlier this year. Barry Soper, ZB's political editor highlighted that Trevor Mallard has cost the taxpayers a lot in legal fees, especially coming after the $330,000 taxpayers had to foot after Mallard falsely accused a Parliamentary staff member of rape. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand is shutting out the public from its monthly board meetings. Chair Rob Campbell has defended the decision, saying the former DHBs were required by legislation to have open meetings but also had private ones. Jan Tinetti has hinted at changes to how kids are taught how to read. Appearing on TVNZ's Q+A, she made clear her support of reverting back to phonics (sounding out the letters to make the word) like New South Wales has. Trevor Mallard has said that he would accept a knighthood if offered one. Despite his republican leanings, Mallard made the comments in an interview when discussing his Dublin appointment. The Government has made changes to the cost of living payments ahead of the second one coming this week. Revenue Minister David Parker made changes to the scheme after Auditor-General John Ryan slammed the first round in a letter to Inland Revenue Commissioner Peter Mersi. Hayden Munro and David Farrar joined Heather du Plessis-Allan on The HuddleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Speaker Trevor Mallard has said he would accept a knighthood if offered one despite his republican leanings. He made the comments in an interview over the weekend when discussing his appointment to Dublin, but Ardern would not say if he would be offered one. The Government has tightened up on the cost of living payments. Ahead of the second payment, Revenue Minister David Parker made changes to the scheme after Auditor-General John Ryan slammed the first round in a letter to Inland Revenue Commissioner Peter Mersi. Newstalk ZB Political Editor Barry Soper joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National MP Chris Bishop and Labour MP for the Hutt South Ginny Andersen join Nick Mills for Politics Monday. Together they debate National's calls for harsher ram raid penalties, Gaurav Sharma, Trevor Mallard's new position as ambassador to Ireland, Winston Peters criticising Labour's co-governance policies and how much ministers travel internationally.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neale, Tim and Kathryn talk about the departure and the legacy of Speaker Trevor Mallard - how will he go in his ambassadorial post in Ireland? Also, the infrastructure blowouts. is it bad management or economic conditions. And ram raids continue to plague cities and towns across the motu it's forcing a law and order debate. Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of public affairs firm Capital. Tim Hurdle is a former National party advisor and was campaign director for National at the 2020 election.

Neale, Tim and Kathryn talk about the departure and the legacy of Speaker Trevor Mallard - how will he go in his ambassadorial post in Ireland? Also, the infrastructure blowouts. is it bad management or economic conditions. And ram raids continue to plague cities and towns across the motu it's forcing a law and order debate. Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of public affairs firm Capital. Tim Hurdle is a former National party advisor and was campaign director for National at the 2020 election.

Adrian Rurawhe has stepped up as Parliament's new Speaker, as former Speaker Trevor Mallard officially ended his tenure on Wednesday afternoon. Mallard, a Speaker with a controversial reputation, takes up a diplomatic role as New Zealand's ambassador to Ireland in Janaury next year. ACT leader David Seymour tells Lisa Owen it's bad luck for the Irish.  

Top stories for Wednesday 24 August 2022 Hamilton West MP Gaurav Sharma has been expelled from the Labour caucus but says he'll continue his fight for justice. Today is Speaker Trevor Mallard's last day at Parliament ending a colourful career. South Korean police say it'll be difficult to pursue a woman who's thought to be a relative of two children whose bodies were found in luggage from an Auckland storage locker.

Parliament's Speaker Trevor Mallard leaves his job today. He's held the position for five years, coming under fierce criticism from the Opposition and repeatedly called for him to resign. Mallard's departure was signalled back in June. He'll be trading in Wainuiomata for Dublin, taking up the role of Ambassador to Ireland. Probably his biggest controversy blew up in 2019 over his claims there was a rapist in Parliament - that resulted in an apology and a payout costing taxpayers more than $330,000. More recently he's been under fire over his handling of the Parliamentary occupation. Then there was the trespass notice fiasco - notices issued and then withdrawn, involving prominent figures who visited to the occupation - including Winston Peters. Appearing at select committee Mallard took a "no comment" approach. On a lighter note Mallard might also be remembered for holding and feeding babies in the House and making it optional for men to wear ties. He also initiated plans to build a playground outside Parliament, and was one of the first to use the $243,000 slide. Mallard will slide into his new ambassadorial role in January. He'll be the third of the five most recent Speakers to get a diplomatic posting.

The National Party tried to get an additional Question Time and an additional debate scheduled for this week using a cryptic motion at the end of Question Time on Tuesday. The motion could be big news for newly independent MP Gaurav Sharma who could be given time to speak in the House under privilege, allowing him to speak about his former Labour colleagues without fear of defamation. Sharma was expelled from Labour's caucus this morning. The motion is believed to be related to Speaker Trevor Mallard's widely understood announcement to leave the Speaker's chair on Wednesday. Mallard has already announced he will retire from the role of Speaker, and from Parliament altogether. He will go to an ambassadorial post in Europe, which is widely understood to be Ireland. He was widely believed to be scheduled to leave the role this week - a decision unrelated to the Sharma fiasco. This will be followed by the election of current Deputy Speaker Adrian Rurawhe to the role of Speaker. Under Standing Orders, the rules that govern Parliament, the House adjourns for the day following the election of a new Speaker. This would mean Question Time on Wednesday and General Debate would be cancelled. National is keen to ensure that does not happen, because it would mean the Prime Minister only being present for one session of Question Time this week - leaders typically skip Thursday sittings in favour of their deputies. Cancelling General Debate would also be significant, given it is an opportunity for MPs to make more free-flowing speeches about any topics they choose. Slots in general debate are allocated to political parties based on their representation in the House, but parties are allowed to give their slots away if they choose. It is understood National had at least considered giving a slot to Sharma, a newly-independent MP. The party had previously given former Labour MP Louisa Wall one of its speaking slots on a debate on suicide after Labour denied Wall the opportunity to speak. MPs speaking in the debating chamber are protected by parliamentary privilege. This means MPs can make defamatory statements without being held liable for what they say. As Parliament finished Question Time on Tuesday, National's shadow leader of the house Chris Bishop sought leave "in light of other events … for the House to hold a General Debate after the dinner break" on Tuesday night, which would follow the format of the usual Wednesday debate. There was objection to this motion, meaning it was not successful. Bishop then sought leave for the House to hold a second Question Time on Thursday, again "in light of other events this week". This Question Time would have replaced Wednesday's lost Question Time. This was also voted down.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One day last year, I was walking down Cashel Mall in Christchurch and I saw Finance Minister Grant Robertson. Some people wanted to take a selfie - which he was perfectly happy to do - but I heard him say first: “Hold on, I better put a mask on first or Jacinda will tell me off." Which probably sounded like a bit of a gag but I remember thinking at the time ‘yeah I bet she would'. That's because I've always considered Jacinda Ardern to be a bit of a Helen Clark. Even her mannerisms are similar. And I can see very clearly that behind the smiles and kindness talk there is a ruthless political operator there. She wouldn't be where she is today if she wasn't. And perhaps goes some way to explain why she's done nothing about that awful Labour Party bully Trevor Mallard. As I've said many times, in my honest opinion he is a bully and should've been given the flick ages ago. And, as I've said before, it is shameful that Jacinda Ardern has done nothing about Trevor Mallard. But he is obviously very useful for the Prime Minister. Awful, but useful too. That's why I'm not in the least bit surprised that we have Labour backbench MP Gaurav Sharma saying that there's all sorts of bullying behaviour going on at Parliament. He seems to be particularly concerned about the way MPs are treated by party whips and the Parliamentary Service, which provides administration support and runs the complex. And you know who's in charge of that, don't you? Yep, Speaker Trevor Mallard. Sharma is a relative newcomer to Parliament. He's only been there since 2020. But obviously he's had a gutsful already and he's written this opinion piece about it for the New Zealand Herald. I think as far as his career as a Labour Party politician is concerned, he's an idiot for doing what he's done. Jacinda will be fuming. Angry Andrew will be fuming. Even Chris Hipkins might be saying a few swear words. “Chris, that's not like you!” “Oh sorry Jacinda. I'm just really annoyed, you know. That guy's from Hamilton and we know there are bullies in Hamilton. So what makes him think he can call us bullies too? It's just not on.” I still don't quite understand why Gaurav Sharma has done what he's done. There is obviously an issue bubbling away behind the scenes and so he's decided to go public about it. Labour Party whip Duncan Webb has confirmed that there are, what he calls, “employment matters” being dealt with. And, man alive, the Labour Party machine is coming down hard on him. He's been in a bit of a stoush online with former Labour MP Darien Fenton who's been online telling Sharma she's “appalled” that he's so ill-disciplined and is “mouthing off in the media” about this. That's a direct quote from the message the former Labour MP sent to Gaurav Sharma after his article was published by the Herald. Sharma went back to Darien Fenton saying it's because of people like her that there's still a problem with bullying at Parliament. Boom! But it's not just former Labour MPs. Current Labour MPs are also trying hard to convince us that there's nothing to see here. One of them is Willy Jackson. How about this for a quote: “I have never seen it in my life. You're going to have to talk to him but I have never seen it. We are great whanau.” That's what Willie Jackson is saying. But, with respect Willie, I'm not quite sure whether you're the best person to be making that kind of judgement. I'm not saying you're a bully mate, I just suspect that you're one of the last people in Parliament that a bully would want to pick on. So, of course, you haven't seen it. And I think it is appalling that you are fobbing it off in this way. Just like I think it's appalling that current and former Labour MPs are ganging up on their MP for coming out and saying Parliament is a toxic place to work. By responding the way it is, the Government and Labour is showing that it is just as much a part of the problem as anyone else in that strange, strange place we know as Parliament. And it doesn't give me much hope that things are going to get any less toxic at Parliament anytime soon. Which is so rich, isn't it, given we hear so much weasel words from politicians about cracking down on bullying, being kind to each other, looking after our mental health. What a bunch of turkeys they all are.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Deputy Prime Minister is downplaying the controversies surrounding Speaker Trevor Mallard as he gets set to leave Parliament.Mallard will call time on a 35 year career in August to take up a diplomatic posting in Europe.Most recently, he sparked controversy by turning the sprinklers on the protesters outside Parliament and trespassing Former Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters.Grant Robertson told Heather du Plessis-Allan few people who have been in politics that long would get away without controversy.“He might've had to apologise on occasion, but I think his overall record puts us in a good place for him to be able to represent us.”LISTEN ABOVE

Parliament's Speaker Trevor Mallard has refused to answer questions from MPs about the trespass notices issued earlier this year - reigniting calls for him to go. Mr Mallard was before a select committee to discuss Parliament's budget for the year - but instead received repeated questioning over his handling of February's anti-vax protest. Here's our deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

Russian forces are continuing to push further into Severodonetsk - Ukraine’s most eastern city. One of the region’s Governors says the bombardment of the industrial centre is so intense, they’ve given up counting casualties For the Kremlin, taking control of the eastern Donbas region is its priority. A delegation of Kiwi MPs led by Speaker Trevor Mallard have travelled to Europe and met with Ukrainian MPs, including Yevhenia Kravchuk who joins us with the latest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour answered a written question from National entirely in te reo Māori, even though the question was in English. National asked whether a translation should be made available but Speaker Trevor Mallard wasn't keen. Gerry Brownlee, Shadow Leader of the House, joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVE 

National MP Gerry Brownlee asked a parliamentary question of Michael Wood – and got a reply entirely in te reo Māori. He asked for a translation from Wood but this was declined – and the Speaker Trevor Mallard says there are enough te reo speakers around Parliament, and Brownlee can get his own translation. What do you make of this? A jury has found a father and son not guilty after they admitted cutting off the tip of their home intruder's finger. What did you make of this case? Everyone is still untangling yesterday's Immigration reset – seems odd that nurses and midwives are not given the same priority treatment as doctors and engineers. Some are calling it sexist and elitist – what do you think? The Government spent $230k on social media listening reports over the past couple of years. Is this inappropriate? Do you share your Netflix password with others to save on costs? David Farrar, Pollster and Kiwiblog editor, and Tim Wilson, Maxim Institute, joined Heather du Plessis-Allan on the Huddle. LISTEN ABOVE 

Today on Newstalk ZB Canterbury Mornings, John MacDonald was joined by National's Gerry Brownlee and Labour's Megan Woods regarding the big topics of the week.MacDonald asked if Speaker Trevor Mallard should be removed from his role, they covered Government funding of Three Waters following last Friday's announcement  and if tax cuts are on the agenda in future. They also covered the news of Countdown's winter price freeze, and if they thought it was simply a PR stunt. LISTEN ABOVE

A former Speaker of Parliament says issuing trespass notices to former MPs was a "stupid move". Political backlash and the threat of legal action appear to have forced Speaker Trevor Mallard to withdraw five trespass notices, including those issued to Winston Peters and Matt King. Sir David Carter told Morning Report Mallard is meant to be parliament's person but he is too entrenched in Labour. Sir David, a former National MP, says the role should have the respect from both sides of the house. He says he did his best in the job and he encourages Trevor Mallard to change his attitude and do his.

Parliament's Speaker Trevor Mallard has taken a hammering over his trespass order debacle which ended yesterday afternoon with an embarrassing backdown. Having issued the two year bans to Winston Peters and four other former MPs for visiting the anti-vax occupation he was forced to hastily withdraw the notices after a barrage of criticism. Mallard has repeatedly refused to be interviewed. Deputy Polical Editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Susie Ferguson.

Winston Peters says it's no longer tenable for Speaker Trevor Mallard to stay in his job.Mallard has withdrawn trespass orders against five people who attended the recent anti-mandate protests - all former MPs.Two other people who attended the protests will continue to be banned from visiting Parliament Grounds for the next two years.The New Zealand First leader told Mike Hosking Mallard has misunderstood what the role of Speaker should be.He says the bans were a thoroughly political act, by a person who is supposed to act in a politically neutral way.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speaker Trevor Mallard has been told to consult other parties over his decision to trespass Winston Peters from the grounds of Parliament for two years. The former Deputy PM is one of several people, including former National MP Matt King, who have been issued the notices after visiting the occupation at Parliament two months ago. Peters says its an unlawful and dictatorial. This afternoon Jacinda Ardern asked the speaker to clarify what's happened. Former United Future MP Peter Dunne says the trespass of Winston Peters from Parliament is "grossly over the top for the expression of political opinion". Former United Future MP Peter Dunne says the trespass of Winston Peters from Parliament is "grossly over the top for the expression of political opinion".  "I've got no truck for Mr Peters or his style of politics," he told Checkpoint. "But I do think in this case he's got a point.  "He wasn't a critical part of the protest, he was there on one particular day grandstanding in front of the cameras, the way he always does, and he ends up being banned from the grounds for two years. I think that's grossly over the top for the expression of a political opinion. "He wasn't one of the keynote organisers. He was just a casual participant, and to suffer this fate I think is really quite extraordinary. And it speaks a lot really for the mentality of the Speaker." Dunne said Mallard is not the right person for the job of Speaker of the House. "He's not suited by temperament. He's got a vindictive political streak... the speaker is supposed to be above party politics. He's been enmeshed in it right from the beginning. He's well outstayed his welcome. In fact, the person that should be trespassed is probably Trevor Mallard."

The ACT party is fuming over the trespass notices issued to Winston Peters and large numbers of other people who were at February's illegal occupation of parliament grounds. Parliament's security team sent the letters, but the Speaker Trevor Mallard is ultimately responsible. He chairs the Parliamentary Service Commission, a cross party committee of MPs which met yesterday to discuss the decision and whether former MPs should be exempt. Mallard is not speaking this morning but last night tweeted. "The Parliamentary Service Commission met today to consider the narrow question of whether former MPs should be exempted from the general policy that resulted in trespass orders being issued to those identified as trespassing during recent protests at parliament. Only the Act Party supported such an exemption". ACT leader David Seymour told RNZ political editor Jane Patterson it doesn't make sense. Mallard is refusing to say how many trespass notices have been issued. National's Chris Bishop says anyone who was at the protest after its first few days and could be identified has been banned.

The Prime Minister has asked Speaker Trevor Mallard to convene a meeting with all parties to explain trespass notices that were sent out to a number of former MPs.  NZ First leader Winston Peters and former National MP Matt King are among a number of people who attended the parliament protest... And have been trespassed from parliament for two years.  Former ACT MP and lawyer Stephen Franks has not received a notice yet... But was told personally by Trevor Mallard that he would. Winston Peters and Stephen Franks joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVE 

It’s a brave person that tells Winston Peters he’s not allowed at parliament - the man who’s spent more time there than any other living politician But that’s precisely what Speaker Trevor Mallard has done - banning Peters for two years, slapping him with a trespass notice for visiting anti-mandate protesters See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters says he intends to challenge Speaker of the House, Trevor Mallard, over the decision to have Peters trespassed from Parliament grounds for two years. The former deputy prime minister and leader of New Zealand First says he's been trespassed from the grounds for two years after meeting with protestors during the parliamentary occupation. He's placing the blame squarely at Speaker Trevor Mallard's feet - describing his behaviour as one reserved for a "third world banana republic". Lloyd Burr Live asked Mallard to front an interview today to explain himself - he declined and told Burr the decision was made by Parliamentary Security and he was not involved. Winston Peters joined Lloyd Burr Live to discuss the trespassing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Act Party won't be jumping on board a Parliamentary tour of Europe.Speaker Trevor Mallard and National's Judith Collins are leading a delegation of MPs to Europe, in an effort to help smooth the path for New Zealand's trade deal with the European Union.MPs will leave after Budget Day - May 19.Act Leader David Seymour told Mike Hosking it's a waste of taxpayers' money, with no rationale behind the trip.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The grounds of parliament are unrecognisable after 23 days of occupation. There are burned tents, litter and crushed signs and grafitti strewn across the lawn. Speaker Trevor Mallard is promising to restore the grounds but has said there will have to be a wall around the grounds with gates that close to prevent any further occupations. Deputy Prime Minister and Wellington Central MP Grant Roberston told Morning Report he expects the grounds to be returned to their previous state soon. Susie Ferguson got an update from Parliament.

The Prime Minister's message for protesters at Parliament is "go home". Jacinda Ardern told Morning Report she has strong opinions about the protest and whether it is appropriate. "New Zealand is a place where protest is part of who we are. Some of our greatest movements have been born of people movements, many of which have entered the forecourt of Parliament. "But what I'm seeing, it is some kind of imported form of protest. We've seen Trump flags, Canadian flags, people who are moving around the outskirts of the area with masks are being abused, children and young people on the way to school are being abused, businesses are seeing people occupy their spaces. "This is beyond a protest." Ardern wouldn't comment on how police and the speaker had managed the situation so far though. Police initially tried to move the protesters on Thursday and made more than 120 arrests but did not clear the area. Since then, officers have stayed in the forecourt, but no further arrests have been made. Speaker Trevor Mallard has turned on the sprinklers and played bad music to try and move the occupiers but to no avail. "This is an area that I do not have expertise in, crowd management and protest management. It's a fray, I'm not going to enter into," Ardern said. "Do I believe that they should be there? No. Should they go home? Yes. Especially, especially the children? Do I have strong views on it? Absolutely. But when it comes to the management of it, I am going to be clear that that is a role, and it is for the police. The speaker acknowledges that as well, and he has maintained close contact." She said it is unlike any protest she has ever seen and rejected the idea that it was only about the vaccination mandate. She does not believe that is any chance of negotiating with the protesters about the mandate either. "What I have seen down on that forecourt does not suggest to me that this is a group that are interested in engaging in policy development." She said the need for tools likes mandates is still there, although vaccination means there's no longer a need for lockdowns.

A group of anti-mandate protesters camped out on Parliament grounds are ignoring the call to move on. Speaker Trevor Mallard has threatened to trespass the group, who have camped there overnight. They're among thousands of people who descended on Parliament and the Wellington CBD yesterday, bringing the city centre to a standstill. National MP Mark Mitchell and Cabinet Minister Stuart Nash told Mike Hosking they're still there at the moment. Mark Mitchell and Stuart Nash joined Mike Hosking to discuss the week's politics news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the National Party was in the throes of its leadership crisis last Wednesday night, Parliament's Speaker had hours earlier taken the highly unusual step of lambasting the Labour government over the way it rushed through the far reaching traffic light system legislation, under urgency. The law that seriously curbs the freedom of unvaccinated people was rushed through in a 24-hour urgent session in order to be passed in time to take effect this week. The Speaker Trevor Mallard, himself a Labour MP, said the Government and the House had failed to fully scrutinise the bill. He made a specific ruling before the third reading debate started on the COVID-19 Response (Vaccinations) Legislation Bill yesterday, to lodge the criticism. One of a raft of critics of the way the legislation was rushed through is constitutional and public law lecturer Dean Knight, Associate Professor at Victoria University of Wellington School of Law. He tells Kathryn it is a 'constitutional disgrace.' She also speaks with litigator and public law specialist Andrew Butler.

While the National Party was in the throes of its leadership crisis last Wednesday night, Parliament's Speaker had hours earlier taken the highly unusual step of lambasting the Labour government over the way it rushed through the far reaching traffic light system legislation, under urgency. The law that seriously curbs the freedom of unvaccinated people was rushed through in a 24-hour urgent session in order to be passed in time to take effect this week. The Speaker Trevor Mallard, himself a Labour MP, said the Government and the House had failed to fully scrutinise the bill. He made a specific ruling before the third reading debate started on the COVID-19 Response (Vaccinations) Legislation Bill yesterday, to lodge the criticism. One of a raft of critics of the way the legislation was rushed through is constitutional and public law lecturer Dean Knight, Associate Professor at Victoria University of Wellington School of Law. He tells Kathryn it is a 'constitutional disgrace.' She also speaks with litigator and public law specialist Andrew Butler.

The latest blow up over race relations in Parliament has raised the question - can MPs call each other racist in the House? Speaker Trevor Mallard says no, but MPs can describe policies and even views as racist. Tempers flared yesterday as National continued its questioning of the Government about its plans for partnership with Māori . Māori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi was ejected after repeatedly challenging National's tone. Political Editor Jane Patterson filed this report.

The latest blow-up over race relations in Parliament has raised the question - can MPs call each other racist in the House? Speaker Trevor Mallard says no, but MPs can describe policies and even views as 'racist'.  Tempers flared yesterday as National continued its questioning of the Government about its plans for partnership with Māori.   Māori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi was ejected after repeatedly challenging National's tone. National Party deputy leader Dr Shane Reti spoke to Corin Dann.  

The latest blow up over race relations in Parliament has raised the question - can MPs call each other racist in the House? Speaker Trevor Mallard says no, but MPs can describe policies and even views as racist. Tempers flared yesterday as National continued its questioning of the Government about its plans for partnership with Māori . Māori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi was ejected after repeatedly challenging National's tone. Political Editor Jane Patterson filed this report.

The latest blow-up over race relations in Parliament has raised the question - can MPs call each other racist in the House? Speaker Trevor Mallard says no, but MPs can describe policies and even views as 'racist'.  Tempers flared yesterday as National continued its questioning of the Government about its plans for partnership with Māori.   Māori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi was ejected after repeatedly challenging National's tone. National Party deputy leader Dr Shane Reti spoke to Corin Dann.  

Speaker Trevor Mallard has used the legal immunity of parliamentary privilege to say that a worker - who he apologised to for falsely accusing of rape - did commit sexual assault.In a debate in the House on Tuesday during the annual review of the Parliamentary Service, for which he is the responsible Minister, Mallard sought to paint himself as on the side of victims and the Opposition as not.This is despite admitting he has never spoken to the woman complainant at the centre of the saga.It has prompted National leader Judith Collins to call it "the most extraordinary display" by "the biggest bully I've ever seen in Parliament".It led to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern given Mallard a very public dressing down, saying his conduct in the House was "totally inappropriate".But she stopped short of heeding National and Act's call to sack Mallard as she said resignations would not resolve the underlying issues which led to last night's debate.She said the blame lay with everyone who participated in the session – "no one, last night, covered themselves in glory".Listen above as NZ Herald political reporter Jason Walls joins Francesca Rudkin to discuss this and the other news of the week

Joining us on this special Mother's Day edition of the Weekend Panel today are Ali Jones and Brigitte Morten. Among other issues, they'll be discussing Speaker Trevor Mallard's conduct and calls for him to resign, Mother's Day, the new Maori Health Authority and what our panelists' favourite television sitcoms of all time are.

Joining us on this special Mother's Day edition of the Weekend Panel today are Ali Jones and Brigitte Morten. Among other issues, they'll be discussing Speaker Trevor Mallard's conduct and calls for him to resign, Mother's Day, the new Maori Health Authority and what our panelists' favourite television sitcoms of all time are.

Public sector workers are feeling the burn of a pay freeze.The Government's announced those earning more than $60,000 will only get pay increases in "exceptional circumstances".Meanwhile, those topping $100,000 won't get any more in the next three years.Meanwhile, Speaker Trevor Mallard has used the legal immunity of parliamentary privilege to say that a worker - who he apologised to for falsely accusing of rape - had committed sexual assault.The issue flared again in the House last night.It came during a debate on the annual review of the Parliamentary Service, for which he is the responsible Minister.Mallard sought to paint himself as on the side of victims and the Opposition as not.This is despite admitting he has never spoken to the woman complainant at the centre of the saga.It prompted National leader Judith Collins to call it the most extraordinary display by the biggest bully she's ever seen in Parliament.Listen above as Clare de Lore and Jack Tame discuss the day's news with Heather du Plessis-Allan on The Huddle

An unprecedented ticking off by the Prime Minister.Speaker Trevor Mallard last night claimed a staffer committed sexual assault - speaking under parliamentary privilege.He previously apologised for falsely accusing the same worker of rape.Jacinda Ardern says it's disappointing and that Mallard did not meet her standards.Former United Future leader Peter Dunne told Heather du Plessis-Allan he's never seen a Prime Minister rebuke a Speaker."The Prime Minister has gone as close as she can by giving him his marching orders."She can't fire him, but by saying she has got serious concerns about his conduct, that is a clear signal of a lack of confidence."LISTEN ABOVE

Parliament's Speaker Trevor Mallard has been delivered a ticking off by the Prime Minister for his conduct last night - but he holds onto his job. Mallard faced off with the Opposition in a spectacular showdown in the debating chamber regarding his defamation case. Labour says it was inappropriate on all sides - just not so inappropriate its MPs will drop their support for the Speaker. Here's RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

Jacinda Ardern is being told she needs to go beyond tribal politics.The Prime Minister has rebuked Speaker Trevor Mallard after he accused a former staffer of sexual assault, under the protection of parliamentary privilege in the House.He'd previously accused him of rape and apologised after losing a defamation case against the man, costing taxpayers 300 thousand dollars.Political commentator Bryce Edwards told Kate Hawkesby this suggests things are changing, but Ardern needs to go further.“She is still protecting him, basically, and Labour’s still protecting him. National are carrying out this attack on him for their own interests.”LISTEN ABOVE

Using the legal immunity of Parliamentary privilege, Speaker Trevor Mallard told the House the man he wrongly accused of being a rapist in 2019 did carry out a serious sexual assualt. The National Partry is challenging the speaker to repeat the allegation outside the house. Leader Judith Collins told Morning Report she wants to see Mallard removed from his position. [audio_play] "I am today writing to the Prime Minister, asking her to use her 65 votes to remove him from office."

Using the legal immunity of Parliamentary privilege, Speaker Trevor Mallard told the House the man he wrongly accused of being a rapist in 2019 did carry out a serious sexual assualt. The National Partry is challenging the speaker to repeat the allegation outside the house. Leader Judith Collins told Morning Report she wants to see Mallard removed from his position. [audio_play] "I am today writing to the Prime Minister, asking her to use her 65 votes to remove him from office."

There were explosive scenes at Parliament last night, when Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard went on the attack over the controversy in which he mistakenly accused a former parliamentary staffer of rape. Mallard told the House the man he wrongly accused of rape in 2019 did carry out a serious sexual assualt, prompting anger from the National Party as he did it using parliamentary privilege. He's been under pressure for months from the Opposition, which claims his conduct makes him unfit for office, and he should be removed. Mallard was mounting a defence for his actions after the defamation case he settled last year, costing taxpayers more than $330,000. Here's political editor Jane Patterson.

There were explosive scenes at Parliament last night, when Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard went on the attack over the controversy in which he mistakenly accused a former parliamentary staffer of rape. Mallard told the House the man he wrongly accused of rape in 2019 did carry out a serious sexual assualt, prompting anger from the National Party as he did it using parliamentary privilege. He's been under pressure for months from the Opposition, which claims his conduct makes him unfit for office, and he should be removed. Mallard was mounting a defence for his actions after the defamation case he settled last year, costing taxpayers more than $330,000. Here's political editor Jane Patterson.

Explosive scenes in Parliament, the Speaker Trevor Mallard uses parliamentary privilege to repeat sexual assault allegations. We ask the Finance Minister what he is going to do with a billion dollars of spare Covid-19 cash? Doctors are being indundated by over 65s who thought they could get their Covid vaccine from this week. Tolaga Bay residents search through the night for a missing 4 year old boy.

Explosive scenes in Parliament, the Speaker Trevor Mallard uses parliamentary privilege to repeat sexual assault allegations. We ask the Finance Minister what he is going to do with a billion dollars of spare Covid-19 cash? Doctors are being indundated by over 65s who thought they could get their Covid vaccine from this week. Tolaga Bay residents search through the night for a missing 4 year old boy.

Parliament is in line for a multi-million dollar upgrade - with three new buildings planned for the precinct. The Speaker Trevor Mallard says the current set-up is sub-par, uneconomic and unsustainable - with MPs and staff scattered across the city in a haphazard manner. Here's RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

I’m wondering where the kindness has gone this week? We’ve not seen much of it from a government that likes to push the kindness message onto us at every opportunity. This is a government that sticks electronic billboard signs over motorways telling us to be kind. Yet they’re seemingly not taking their own advice.So far this week we’ve seen Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor tell the tourist industry not to be so “cocky”.. for which he later apologised to Tourism Minister Stuart Nash over, but did not apologise to the industry itself. Industry insiders were upset by the comments, one calling them ‘quite shocking’. But O'Connor defended his use of the word cocky, as a "term of endearment".To double down and defend your name calling is not unique to just one Minister in this government.Speaker Trevor Mallard has again hit headlines this week after incorrectly calling someone a rapist.. but which we also discover this week, he not only knew wasn’t true, but went on to threaten the accused person about. His lawyers wrote to the plaintiffs lawyers refusing to accept any defamation had occurred and saying they’d "defend any claim vigorously" and that the plaintiff’s own reputation would be ‘the centrepiece of any public proceedings’. So basically, according to National, ‘threatening’ the plaintiff not to pursue the case.Bullying and threatening someone you know you’ve falsely accused.. continuing to fight the case for 18 months .. knowing you’re wrong, and only to then having to apologise.. after costing the taxpayer more than 3 hundred grand.. are you kidding? And you arrogantly expect to keep your role as Speaker of the House? How is this possible in a civilised society far less the seat of power in our country?National say Mallard’s not fit to be speaker, but Ardern's backing him. Of course she is, they’re mates, so despite this grotesque behaviour, he’ll keep his plum job. No accountability, and certainly no kindness.So how do we reconcile the behaviours and attitudes here? How long does this government think it can play these games with people? When does the pretending stop? We all know that the key to effective communication is authenticity. And it’s something Richard Prebble picked up on and wrote about in the Herald yesterday. He said of the PM’s smile, the bigger it is in response to a question, the more uncertain she is of the answer. Her catch phrases are scripted, workshopped and learnt.It makes people question who the real leader is. Prebble says, ‘Is the leader who told us all to be kind the real Jacinda? Or is the Prime Minister who deflected criticism by blaming the lockdown on a polytech student the real Jacinda?’It feels like this week we’re getting a clearer picture of who this government really is.

Speaker Trevor Mallard's job is safe, according to the Prime Minister.That's despite a statement of claim in a defamation action brought by the man he wrongly accused of being a rapist.It claims Mallard was going to make the man's reputation and conduct the centrepiece of the action - if he didn't back down.National's Judith Collins wrote to Jacinda Ardern saying he should be removed from office for the threat.Speaking with Chris Lynch, Collins said Mallard needs to be removed as Speaker immediately, and called on the Prime Minister to take action."How can the PM justify this? If he was a National speaker, she would have removed him by now."It's time Ardern puts on her big girl pants, and tells him to go. He really is unfit for the job."LISTEN ABOVE

Parliament's Speaker Trevor Mallard has today had to sit there and take it.National's Chris Bishop launched an attack on Mallard, saying he should be removed from office for wrongly accusing a parliamentary worker of being a rapist.Mallard repeated it in a defamation action that was dropped after Mallard apologised."He refused to apologise to the man he called a rapist even though he knew it was wrong. He refused to compensate the man even though he knew it was wrong."He said if the man sought to protect his reputation, he would prove he was a rapist."He threatened to put the man on trial. This is a man who should resign."Mallard simply said at the end of Bishop's speech that "The Member's time has expired". However, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says Mallard will keep his job. She denied he was a bully, and says his apology is enough."In this case, he has done wrong, and he has apologised for that."Listen above as ZB political editor Barry Soper discusses the latest developments with Heather du Plessis-Allan 

The National Party has taken aim at the Speaker Trevor Mallard again, labelling him a bully who is unfit to be in his job. It's revealed details of a statement of claim in the defamation case of the man Mallard wrongly accused of being a rapist. National is calling on the Prime Minister to support a vote on no confidence in Mallard, but Jacinda Ardern is backing him. Political reporter Yvette McCullough has more.

Simon Bridges has continued to dominate headlines this week.Earlier this week, the National MP hit headlines for calling Police Commissioner Andrew Coster 'woke'.They faced each other in today's Justice Select Committee's annual review of New Zealand Police.Bridges read an email he'd received from one officer, which says they feel frustrated at the 'philosophical approach' Police are taking.He pushed Coster on what feedback he gets from the frontline, and pushed him on whether that gang numbers are rising. Bridges also issued an apology, of sorts, to Speaker Trevor Mallard for calling him a 'twat' after he stormed out of the House yesterday.Although he would not admit he said it -- despite being confirmed by a number of MPs who heard -- Bridges has apologised for using "unparliamentary" language.He says he said a lot yesterday and he can't remember everything he said.But, Bridges says in the past Mallard has gotten away with saying far worse.Does Bridges have more backing than Judith Collins right now, or is he burning support from his party? Clare de Lore and Hayden Munro discuss this and the rest of the day's news with Heather du Plessis-Allan on The Huddle

The National Party has again butted heads with Parliament's Speaker Trevor Mallard - with expletives flying across the debating chamber. The shenanigans reflect the rocky relationship between them. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch reports.

This week Political reporter Benedict Collins broke the explosive story of Air New Zealand helping the Saudi Navy. We discuss the background and how this story developed. We also look back on an eventful Waitangi 2021, and update on COVID19 vaccines for New Zealand. Finally we look at the other important story of the week: ties in Parliament, and how they overshadowed what could have been a more tumultuous week for Speaker Trevor Mallard. Produced & Edited by Adam Simpson Engineered by Brian Holloway Shot by Tony George & Jack Davies A TVNZ Production

When New Zealand's Speaker Trevor Mallard ejected the Leader of the Maori Party Rawiri Waititi for not wearing a tie in parliament this week, it started a conversation that travelled around the world. A Maori academic tells Pacific Beat he doesn't have a problem with the requirement.

Parliament is cutting its colonial ties. It will now be optional for men to wear ties in the House following a decision from Speaker Trevor Mallard last night. The Standing Orders Committee met to discuss the dress code after Maori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi was booted out of the debating chamber for refusing to wear a tie. Last year the Speaker reconsidered the requirement to wear a tie, saying he believed it to be out-dated, but ruled last week that ties would remain as that was the will of the majority of MPs. Political reporter Katie Scotcher asked the Speaker Trevor Mallard what had changed between last week and now.

The government will scrap the Resource Management Act (RMA) and replace it with three new pieces of legislation. Professor Troy Baisden, from Environmental Research Institute, University of Waikato, joins The Panel to discussion. Māori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi was yesterday kicked out of the House by Speaker Trevor Mallard for not wearing a tie. Associate Professor Grant Duncan, who teaches politics at Massey University, to discuss the symbolism of the tie and other incidents involving MPs' attire that also attracted headlines. The Panel reminisces about their home-made school lunches growing up following an article in The Listener citing researchers saying more effort should be placed on improving the quality of packed lunches provided for children.

A political commentator says change is long overdue, when it comes to the rules around wearing ties in Parliament.Māori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi was kicked out of the House yesterday for wearing a hei-tiki around his neck instead of a tie.Talks are now underway to change the rules.But commentator Claire Robinson told Kate Hawkesby if Parliament wants to reflect New Zealand society, it should reconsider whether a neck-tie is even needed in the first place."The rules around what goes on in the House change all the time, and change with the times."It's the time to really be looking at that dress standard."She says that white men, who are more likely to wear a tie, are in the minority - and there are other forms of expression to show importance. "It's that the most diverse parliament ever actually became reflective of that diversity."Robinson says that they don't know how many people responded to Speaker Trevor Mallard's call for feedback on the issue. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says she's relaxed about the wearing of ties, but won't waste time getting involved in the debate.LISTEN ABOVE

New Zealanders' opinions are split when it comes to the dress code of MPs in Parliament.At the time of writing, more than 3,200 people had voted in an informal poll on the Herald's Facebook page on whether ties should remain compulsory.Of those 3,200 people, 45 per cent believe MPs should continue wearing ties, while 55 per cent don't think ties need to remain part of the Beehive's dress code.Māori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi was today booted out of Parliament after a dress code scuffle with Speaker Trevor Mallard.Waititi refused to wear a tie, which he has described as a "colonial noose".Late last year, Waititi was warned that he faced being ejected from the House if he did not wear a tie, after refusing to wear one, and in his maiden speech to Parliament he said in te reo: "Take the noose from around my neck so that I may sing my song."In the comments on the informal Facebook poll, many believed the tie is a sign of respect for the role, while other Kiwis agreed that the dress code is outdated and unnecessary, as it is no reflection on an MP's professionalism."Clothes don't dictate professionalism. The most unprofessional person in the world doesn't suddenly become the best the second they put on a suit. As long as the work is done and your actually clothed, then why should it matter? It's like trying to say women in offices just wear skirts and heels. Archaic and not needed," someone commented."Think this is a red herring to take the heat out of the fact Mr Mallard has cost 'you me taxpayer' over $300,000 in legal bills and compensation," one person commented. "But as a side issue the majority of MPs' voted to keep ties as part of the dress code.""Yes and they should be debating and making laws on things other than what they wear in Parliament!! We are paying for this," someone else said.Many expressed the idea that the clothing is not important, as long as MPs represent the interests of their people."As long as the work gets done, I couldn't care less if they were in stubbies and red bands," one person said."I don't care just as long as they're doing their jobs," another Facebook user agreed."Ties are archaic and should not be compulsory. Taonga are a cultural heritage explicitly protected by our founding document te Tiriti o Waitangi," someone else said.A number of Kiwis argued that if MPs drop their dress code, it might be time to rethink school uniforms as well."If they can relax their dress code rules my kids would like their state schools to relax their uniform rules. Smart casual will work," a Facebook user commented.

Parliament's dress code debate was reignited on Tuesday as Māori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi entered the House, not wearing a European-style tie. Waititi, wearing a hei tiki taonga around his neck, was denied the right to speak and eventually kicked out of the House by Speaker Trevor Mallard. Parliament's rules require members to dress in "appropriate business attire". Currently this includes men wearing ties. Mallard last year announced he would reconsider the requirement, saying he himself believed the tie rule to be outdated. But ultimately he ruled that the dress standard would remain as that was the will of the majority of MPs. "My taonga is my tie," Māori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi told Checkpoint.

It's time for MPs to dust off the gloves - and get back in the political ring.Parliament returns today, with politicians going head-to-head for the first time this year.National will use Question Time to needle the Government on issues like the vaccine roll-out and housing crisis.First though, leader Judith Collins will attempt a doomed motion of no confidence in Speaker Trevor Mallard over the fallout off his false 'rape' claim.Mallard has been under pressure since it was revealed taxpayers stumped up more than $300,000 to cover a legal dispute, prompted by his false claims an accused rapist was working at Parliament.Former Attorney-General and former National Party MP Chris Finlayson told Kate Hawkesby it's all part of the parliamentary ritual."It excites the people inside of parliament for a couple of hours. This all happened a long time ago in the grand scheme of things, and people have moved on."LISTEN ABOVE

National MP Chris Bishop will seek a vote of no confidence against Trevor Mallard, the Speaker of the House, in Parliament today. Late last year Mallard apologised for comments he made to RNZ in May, when he claimed a rapist had been working at Parliament, and a staffer had been stood down. Mallard later backed down from his use of the word 'rape', and $300,000 of taxpayer funds have since been spent on the subsequent legal dispute over his words. Bishop spoke to Susie Ferguson. [audio_play] Trevor Mallard was invited to comment, and to come on the show this morning, but declined.

It has been a tumultuous political year, with an election, two Covid-19 lockdowns, and multiple leadership changes for National.The politics barely slowed down in the last week before Christmas, with Speaker Trevor Mallard facing questions over a taxpayer-funded legal challenge over a defamation case, while an Ihumatao deal was announced last minute.ZB political editor Barry Soper joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to discuss the political week, Labour's ongoing problems outside of Covid-19, and picks his worst politician of the year.LISTEN ABOVE

The Opposition is claiming little ground was made in today's select committee meeting looking at Speaker Trevor Mallard's defamation case.Mallard wrongly accused a Parliamentary staffer of rape, and it cost taxpayers $330,000 legal costs.National MP Michael Woodhouse, who was at the select committee meeting, told Heather du Plessis-Allan timelines around complaints and interviews in March and April don't quite match up.He says this matter is bigger than politics."The select committee is a very important process for getting to the truth, and I'm not sure that we have." During the committee, it was revealed the taxpayer may not have heard the last of the legal bill. The head of Parliamentary Services Rafael Gonzalez-Montero confirmed to Woodhouse while being questioned that there is still a claim against Parliamentary Services.LISTEN ABOVE 

National Party leader Judith Collins expects an "apology" from Speaker Trevor Mallard after it was found that $300,000 taxpayer money was used for his legal fees. "Also, when he's going to resign, take responsibility for his action. And it's not simply the fact that it's cost a tremendous amount of money but actually, it's cost a former staff member of Parliamentary Service their job and their reputation." She said his actions along with not apologising earlier were "deplorable" for a Speaker - "who sets the standard of behaviour for MPs in Parliament". He has now apologised and the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has acknowledged his "mistake". But Collins said that was not enough. "There is no accountability at the moment except for the victim of the situation." She said National's view was: "Trevor Mallard as the Speaker of Parliament sets the behaviour and tone of Parliament, he has taken up the role of saying he was going to stop bullying and bad behaviour and here we have an example where his behaviour and his failure to apologise far earlier has destroyed a staff member's career and their reputation and their livelihood. "For the prime minister to back him is unconscionable." In a statement released on Tuesday, Mallard said it was "incorrect" of him to suggest the man had been accused of rape "as that term is defined in the Crimes Act 1961". Mallard had provided a personal apology to the man for the "distress and humiliation" caused to the worker and his family, the statement said.

Parliament's Speaker, Trevor Mallard, is expected to appear before a select committee on Wednesday to be questioned about a costly legal dispute.Mallard last week publicly apologised for comments he made in which he wrongly claimed an accused rapist was working on Parliament's premises.A staffer was stood down and then launched defamation proceedings, which were later revealed to have cost the taxpayer more than $330,000.Both National and ACT have declared they have lost confidence in the Speaker and have called for his resignation as they believe he is no longer fit for the role.This morning, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told Morning Report over the years Opposition parties had claimed no confidence in the Speaker and "unfortunately, it tips into the political from time to time"."I have confidence in the Speaker. Clearly, he has made a mistake and he himself is open about that."On this particular issue, the Speaker himself, I'm advised, was aware that a select committee may choose to ask him to come and answer questions. He has proactively contacted the chair to arrange a time."Governance and administration select committee chair and National MP, Barbara Kuriger, said Mallard rang her late yesterday to confirm he was willing to attend the meeting.Kuriger said the Clerk of the House was in the process of organising the selection committee meeting for Wednesday."We need to send a letter to the Speaker from me as the chair, inviting the Speaker to attend the meeting, to which we would expect his reply given that he has already notified me that he is willing to attend."Then tomorrow we will have some further discussions with the clerk around the process of how the meeting will work."She said she was not going to pre-empt anything but there were questions that National wanted answered about the cost and how it was paid.Text by By Charlie Dreaver of RNZ

Speaker Trevor Mallard has been accused of destroying an innocent man’s life, after falsely accusing a parliamentary member of being a rapist.Mallard's in the firing line amid revelations taxpayers footed a $330,000 bill for his settlement and legal costs of a defamation action - after he wrongly called a staff member a rapist.Newstalk ZB Political editor Barry Soper told Andrew Dickens the Prime Minister and Labour Party are not living up to their own words and values.“If Jacinda Ardern pleads well-being and kindness as she does, there has been none of that applied to the man at the centre of this.“He’s now very ill as a result of the accusation made against him, his life has been destroyed. That is not well-being or kindness.”LISTEN ABOVE

Speaker Trevor Mallard has been accused of destroying an innocent man’s life, after falsely accusing a parliamentary member of being a rapist.Mallard's in the firing line amid revelations taxpayers footed a $330,000 bill for his settlement and legal costs of a defamation action - after he wrongly called a staff member a rapist.Newstalk ZB Political editor Barry Soper told Andrew Dickens the Prime Minister and Labour Party are not living up to their own words and values.“If Jacinda Ardern pleads well-being and kindness as she does, there has been none of that applied to the man at the centre of this.“He’s now very ill as a result of the accusation made against him, his life has been destroyed. That is not well-being or kindness.”LISTEN ABOVE

At the same time Speaker Trevor Mallard was being sued for defamation, he changed the rules so other MPs could also have theirs covered by the taxpayer without disclosing it publicly.National and Act leaders yesterday said they no longer had confidence in the Speaker after he revealed he'd cost the taxpayer more than $330,600 settling a case after incorrectly calling a former Parliamentary staffer a rapist.It has also now come to light that the rules for when MPs can claim legal costs when they're being sued were expanded by the Speaker in August so damages and settlements can come from the public purse.Those applications have to be signed off by the party leader, the Speaker and chief executive of Parliamentary Service.It brings the rules for ordinary MPs in line with ministers; however, only ministers are subject to public disclosure rules under the Official Information Act. Other MPs and Parliamentary Services are exempt from having to disclose when legal costs are claimed.Mallard's case was handled by Deputy Speaker Anne Tolley and it was considered that because the Speaker is the Minister responsible for Parliamentary Services, the same rules should apply as for ministers.The process for Mallard's legal costs was signed off by Tolley rather than Cabinet.Former Attorney-General Chris Finlayson told The Weekend Collective that it doesn't seem that Mallard has done any harm here."Most of the work on this issue was done by the Anne Tolley, so I don't think that Mr Mallard altered the rules to suit himself."He says it would be helpful to clarify what Tolley's role was.On the ongoing issues, which has sparked calls for Mallard to go, Finlayson says that those calls from National and ACT are a "non-issue". "Labour's the majority in the House, and any vote of no confidence will be sort of ritualistic rubbish."He says that MPs can make comments under Parliamentary privilege, but any comments made outside of the Chamber leave the MP open to being sued. "I don't have a lot of patience for MPs who leave the Chamber and make all sorts of wild allegations against people. And if people sue them for defamation, then it's their bad luck."

I cannot go past Trevor Mallard's actions this morning. Maybe it's just me, but I find what he's done utterly appalling.It's bad enough to call a man a rapist, when he is not one. I can't think of many things worse than being called a rapist.Mallard than issues a personal apology on the very same day the inquiry into the mosque shootings are released.In effect, he was hiding under cover of the inquiry. He knew damn well what he was doing. It's a time honoured parliamentary trick. Covering bad news under a big story, it's cowardly and wrong.And at the same time Speaker Trevor Mallard was being sued for defamation, he changed the rules so other MPs could also be covered by the taxpayer without disclosing their dumb mistakes publicly.It has also now come to light that the rules for when MPs can claim legal costs when they're being sued were expanded by the Speaker in August so damages and settlements can come from the public purse.Those applications have to be signed off by the party leader, the Speaker and chief executive of Parliamentary Service. I find that absolutely appalling but I wonder if I'm one of the few.  People aren't generally interested in the machinations of government - but surely you would be interested if you thought taxpayers would end up covering the costs of MPs lack of caution and carelessness and arrogance, and inability to get things right.For years lawyers have been saying MP's need to be more responsible and accountable for what they say rather than hide behind parliamentary privilege and the taxpayers purse.  

At the same time Speaker Trevor Mallard was being sued for defamation, he changed the rules so other MPs could also have theirs covered by the taxpayer without disclosing it publicly.National and Act leaders yesterday said they no longer had confidence in the Speaker after he revealed he'd cost the taxpayer more than $330,600 settling a case after incorrectly calling a former Parliamentary staffer a rapist.It has also now come to light that the rules for when MPs can claim legal costs when they're being sued were expanded by the Speaker in August so damages and settlements can come from the public purse.Those applications have to be signed off by the party leader, the Speaker and chief executive of Parliamentary Service.It brings the rules for ordinary MPs in line with ministers; however, only ministers are subject to public disclosure rules under the Official Information Act. Other MPs and Parliamentary Services are exempt from having to disclose when legal costs are claimed.Mallard's case was handled by Deputy Speaker Anne Tolley and it was considered that because the Speaker is the Minister responsible for Parliamentary Services, the same rules should apply as for ministers.The process for Mallard's legal costs was signed off by Tolley rather than Cabinet.Former Attorney-General Chris Finlayson told The Weekend Collective that it doesn't seem that Mallard has done any harm here."Most of the work on this issue was done by the Anne Tolley, so I don't think that Mr Mallard altered the rules to suit himself."He says it would be helpful to clarify what Tolley's role was.On the ongoing issues, which has sparked calls for Mallard to go, Finlayson says that those calls from National and ACT are a "non-issue". "Labour's the majority in the House, and any vote of no confidence will be sort of ritualistic rubbish."He says that MPs can make comments under Parliamentary privilege, but any comments made outside of the Chamber leave the MP open to being sued. "I don't have a lot of patience for MPs who leave the Chamber and make all sorts of wild allegations against people. And if people sue them for defamation, then it's their bad luck."

Mallard, Bubbles and how good are those Black Caps. They seem to be our current pre-occupations. Let me deal with the dead duck walking, Speaker Trevor Mallard. The calls for him to resign or be sacked have been almost universal. They will be universally ignored because Labour controls the House. Not just controls. Dominates. There is no need for them to spill their own blood on the floor and in the scheme of things a third of a million is chicken feed compared to the welfarism they continue to fund.  For instance yesterday over $170 million was pledged to keep air freight moving. But here’s why I think Labour should give a damn about the Speaker and give him the boot. In all the debate thus far we’ve heard about 2 men. One who accused the other of being a rapist who in turn claimed he was defamed. But what about the woman who raised concerns in the first place. The woman whose case was described so glibly by the Speaker that resulted in the stalemate we’ve reached. Her concerns appear to have been buriedThe reason any of this came to pass was because of the independent review into Bullying and Harassment in the New Zealand Parliamentary Workplace conducted by Debbie Francis that was released in May of 2019. It concluded that Parliament was a toxic workplace with a systematic bullying and a sexual  harassment problem. Case studies were included in the reports and it was while commenting on one of them that the Speaker stuck his foot in his mouth. The concerns of the woman involved have now been completely superseded by the actions of 2 men. It’s a former of abuse in itself.Furthermore, the Speaker is in charge of the House.  It is his responsibility to implement reforms to make Parliament a safe workplace.  Trevor Mallard has shown a complete  inability to comprehend the complexities of abuse.  His casual use of the word rape and claims he doesn’t understand the exact meaning of the word rules him out of being able to  be the steward of reform. He's just not smart enough or he just doesn't care.The Prime Minister would do well to force the Speaker to leave and replace the old dinosaur with someone with more empathy, tact and intelligence. She owes that to all the women who work at Parliament. She also owes that to all the men who could be wrongfully accused of harassment.  

Speaker Trevor Mallard's false 'rape' claim about a Parliament staffer has cost taxpayers more than $333,000 to resolve and National says it has now lost confidence in him.The bill included a $158,000 ex-gratia payment to the former staffer to settle the defamation claim - and more than $175,000 was spent on legal fees.Mallard issued a public apology to the staffer this week, which was released the afternoon of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Christchurch terror attacks.The Speaker said that some of his comments gave the "impression that allegations made against that individual in the context of the Francis Review amounted to rape".The staffer was stood down in May after Mallard's comments but an investigation later found no wrongdoing.The man then sought to sue Mallard for defamation, seeking damages of $400,000 and exemplary damages of $50,000.The $333,641.70 cost of settling the defamation case settlement were released to National in answers to written parliamentary questions.National leader Judith Collins said the party had now lost confidence in Mallard.Newstalk ZB political reporter Aaron Dahmen joined Francesca Rudkin to discuss the fallout, as well as a week of remembrance and reflection on the Christchurch terror attacks and the White Island eruption.LISTEN ABOVE 

The future of Speaker Trevor Mallard is up in the air, after it was revealed tax payer's shelled out almost $334,000 to settle a legal bill.It follows defamation action brought by a sacked Parliamentary staffer who Mallard wrongly labelled a rapist.National got the payment details through a written question to Mallard and says it's lost confidence in him as Speaker.Leader Judith Collins says the sheer size of the settlement's illustrates how serious the matter is.Speaking on The Sunday Panel with Francesca Rudkin, TVNZ political reporter Katie Bradford says that Mallard is in a tricky situation, and his stubbornness reared its head."He can't accept that he was wrong and he let it carry on when he should have stayed away."Political commentator Ben Thomas says that Mallard is known for his violent outbursts and bullying of civil servants, but believes that this is a case of him having good intentions after the report into bullying at Parliament. "I think Mallard is a victim of being too online, spending too much time on the internet in what people spend too much time on online call 'the discourse', wherein this post-Me Too world, everything from bullying and workplace harassment and what Mallard falsely alleged as rape collapsed into this one thing."He says this is a situation where Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is a victim of her own kindness, as seen in her past refusal to fire troublesome ministers."The part she can't to punish or take action against members of her team that she on a personal level likes."Thomas says that if Mallard showed an appropriate apology, he could find a way through this. LISTEN ABOVE

The National Party's lost faith in Parliament's Speaker of the House, after revelations more than $330,000 tax-payer dollars were spent on his legal bill.It follows defamation action brought by a sacked Parliamentary staffer who Speaker Trevor Mallard wrongly labelled a rapist.Political editor Barry Soper says it's the biggest travesty he's seen during his time in Parliament.Soper says Mallard was pinned into a corner when National demanded to know the cost.He says the National Party will put up a vote of no confidence next year."Can you imagine Labour having to defend and support a man like Trevor Mallard?"This is the party that preaches well-being and kindness. How can Labour support somebody like Trevor Mallard, who has put this man through all this."LISTEN ABOVE

Taxpayers have had to stump up more than $330,000 on a legal dispute sparked by Parliament's Speaker Trevor Mallard falsely accusing a staffer of rape. Both the National and ACT parties say it's time for Mr Mallard to step down - saying he's no longer fit for the job. Here's RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

He needs to go. That's the message from Judith Collins as she savages Parliament's Speaker Trevor Mallard - saying her party's lost confidence in him. Mallard's in the firing line amid revelations taxpayers footed a $330,000 bill for his settlement and legal costs of a defamation action - after he wrongly called a staff member a rapist.National leader Collins told Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford Jacinda Ardern needs to front up and act.  She says the Prime Minister has 65 votes in the House and could easily sort him out.Collins says the sheer size of the pay-out shows how serious the matter is."It's unacceptable behaviour from the enforcer of rules for MPs and he's no longer fit for the job."LISTEN ABOVE

David Seymour says we now have a price on the mistake made by Parliament's Speaker Trevor Mallard.It's been revealed the taxpayer's footed a $330,000 dollar bill for Mallard's settlement and legal costs of a defamation action  - after he wrongly called a staff member a rapist.The ACT leader says Mallard accused a person of the most serious and heinous crime.Seymour told Si and Phil he should go - and whether or not that happens is a test of Jacinda Ardern.He says Mallard has the confidence of Parliament with 61 votes - and Labour has 64 excluding him.LISTEN ABOVE

The opening day of Parliament generated a number of headlines, as the Government announced plans for a climate emergency, Jacinda Ardern and Judith Collins clashed on house prices, and Ibrahim Omer delivered a powerful maiden speech. However, it was also the first day of the new Māori Party, and their two MPs have walked out of the House in protest during Parliament's Address and Reply debate.Under the rules, party leaders with more than six MPs get 30 minutes to speak and smaller parties only get the chance if time allows before the House rises at five.However, because they are new MPs, if they spoke in the Address and Reply debate it would constitute their maiden speech, which are not scheduled until at least next week.Co-leader Rawiri Waititi tried to secure a speaking slot today based on a standing order that such decisions not discriminate against a minority party.He told reporters he and co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer walked out after being blocked by Speaker Trevor Mallard.Former minister Peter Dunne says that the whole situation seemed stage-managed. "It's a sign of how they are going to operate in Parliament."Dunne says Mallard acted correctly based on the standing orders, but this situation also highlights that there is this rare situation where a party leader also happens to be a new MP.He says that the Maori Party can play to a very specific constituency, more so than other parties, so they don't have to worry about a"I think what you're going to see from them over the last three years, is nothing too nuanced but a very blunt appeal about Maori sentimentalism and that Maori base of support to secure their future." Dunne says the Pakeha system will have to figure out a way of coping, and the more it behaves as it did this week, they will be portrayed as ganging up against the minor party. with text from RNZ

The opening day of Parliament generated a number of headlines, as the Government announced plans for a climate emergency, Jacinda Ardern and Judith Collins clashed on house prices, and Ibrahim Omer delivered a powerful maiden speech. However, it was also the first day of the new Māori Party, and their two MPs have walked out of the House in protest during Parliament's Address and Reply debate.Under the rules, party leaders with more than six MPs get 30 minutes to speak and smaller parties only get the chance if time allows before the House rises at five.However, because they are new MPs, if they spoke in the Address and Reply debate it would constitute their maiden speech, which are not scheduled until at least next week.Co-leader Rawiri Waititi tried to secure a speaking slot today based on a standing order that such decisions not discriminate against a minority party.He told reporters he and co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer walked out after being blocked by Speaker Trevor Mallard.Former minister Peter Dunne says that the whole situation seemed stage-managed. "It's a sign of how they are going to operate in Parliament."Dunne says Mallard acted correctly based on the standing orders, but this situation also highlights that there is this rare situation where a party leader also happens to be a new MP.He says that the Maori Party can play to a very specific constituency, more so than other parties, so they don't have to worry about a"I think what you're going to see from them over the last three years, is nothing too nuanced but a very blunt appeal about Maori sentimentalism and that Maori base of support to secure their future." Dunne says the Pakeha system will have to figure out a way of coping, and the more it behaves as it did this week, they will be portrayed as ganging up against the minor party. with text from RNZ

Green Party co-leader James Shaw made one of the cheekier requests during Parliament's opening day when he asked speaker Trevor Mallard to bin rules requiring male MPs to wear ties. Mr Mallard joins Lisa Owen to discuss the issue.

Speaker Trevor Mallard joins the show to discuss what it's like to referee MPs, Parliament's reputation as a toxic workplace, and what his own future holds. Adam dissects the new party campaign ads, and Eugene dusts off some political trivia. Links: Click here for every episode of the Tick. Tick. podcast. Full Stuff election coverage Eugene on Twitter; Adam on Twitter Support Stuff Our email: ticktick@stuff.co.nz

Speaker Trevor Mallard joins the show to discuss what it’s like to referee MPs, Parliament’s reputation as a toxic workplace, and what his own future holds. Adam dissects the new party campaign ads, and Eugene dusts off some political trivia.Links: Click here for every episode of the Tick. Tick. podcast.Full Stuff election coverageEugene on Twitter; Adam on TwitterSupport StuffOur email: ticktick@stuff.co.nz

COMMENT:I hope Speaker Trevor Mallard’s new Code of Conduct for MP’s at Parliament is more than just a pipe dream.It’s a long road to hoe to shift the culture inside that place. It seems entrenched, and like any toxic environment, it takes more than a piece of paper to make wholesale change.I hope they can, because if the past few weeks are anything to go by, it’s a very off putting place to want to be.I’m not sure how you attract new and decent, worthwhile, smart talent, into an environment which reeks of negativity and mudslinging.It was sad but perhaps not surprising the way some outgoing MP’s characterised Parliament. Their place of work, the place they devoted many hours and weeks of their lives.. the place they left homes and families for, the place they maybe entered with optimism and hope, and leave downcast and despondent.It’s a brutal place that we know can suck the life out of you and spit you back out.But perhaps they entered it thinking that wouldn’t happen to them, or that they could make a difference. Much like a love struck teenager thinks they can change a bad boyfriend .. but it’s never going to happen. It seems the machine is always bigger than them.The scrutiny is worse than you think, the toll it takes, greater than you imagine.National’s outgoing MP Maggie Barry called it a frustrating dehumanizing and brutal place.That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement.Anne Tolley spoke of a ‘tough environment’.. she said she knew of people scared to come to work, she talked about bullying and sexual harassment .. and people’s expectations that nothing would change.Imagine your expectations being that low?That your place of work is so broken, it can’t be fixed.Well those inside it have to want to fix it I guess, and more than that they have to actively work towards doing that.Can they?Time will tell, some claim it’s a power imbalance, is it an arrogance?Is it a delusion that you’re untouchable in there?Is it just such a rite of passage now to be miserable in that environment that you accept it for what it is?We need a place that’s thriving and bustling with ideas and energy, a Parliament that’s inclusive and robust, that attracts our best and brightest. But that’s just not going to happen for as long as it’s seen as a toxic brutal dehumanizing place.A code of conduct is a small step in the right direction – a baby step.. it shows intent.But it will take commitment determination and real leaps forward by all involved, to realise any wholesale change in that place.

Campaigners for 26 weeks of paid parental leave are now setting their sights on higher payments and more leave for partners.From tomorrow, a working parent will be able to get 26 weeks of paid leave, up from 22 weeks.Workplace Relations Minister Iain Lees-Galloway said that payments would be lifted by $20 a week, following a similar lift in payments last year."Our youngest Kiwis' first days are so precious and it's wonderful to give parents and caregivers that extra time with baby," he said.The extension in paid leave, which came after a law change in 2017, was spearheaded by 26 for Babies, an advocacy group associated with the Council of Trade Unions.Spokeswoman Fleur Fitzsimons said the milestone had taken years to achieve and was worth celebrating."When we started, I had two children. Now I have four. We've had marches to Parliament with pushchairs, Mother's Day cards for John Key, we requested Bill English not to use the financial veto."But the constant in this campaign has been the overwhelming public support from across the political spectrum."Members of the 26 for Babies campaign in 2012, near the beginning of a long campaign to extend paid parental leave. The milestone of 26 weeks' leave will be introduced tomorrow. Photo / Natalie SladeShe said the scheme still needed improvement. In particular, the group wanted the Government to lift weekly payments to at least the minimum wage.Parents can currently get $585 a week before tax, and the minimum wage is around $750 a week.Fitzsimons said New Zealand should also consider more flexible arrangements for partners."At the moment, partners get 10 days unpaid. We'd like to see that paid, but also the flexibility to allow both parents to take parental leave at the same time."Because we know that those first months of life are so precious and it's incredible support to have both parents around."Speaker Trevor Mallard holds baby Heeni during the debate on paid parental leave law changes in 2017. Photo / Parliament TVDespite the latest increase, New Zealand's paid parental leave is low by international standards.The OECD average is a year of paid leave. The United Kingdom gives parents 39 weeks of paid leave, including six weeks at 90 per cent of their income, and parents can split the leave.University of Auckland economist Susan St John said paid parental leave was "wonderful for those who could get it".She said only around half of New Zealand parents were entitled to paid parental leave, mostly because they were not in work before having their baby."It is still differentiating between the different situations of having a baby, which I don't personally think is valid. If you're looking after a baby, you are working, and it should be supported."St John, a founding member of the Child Poverty Action Group, said an overhaul of the welfare system - such as that proposed by the Green Party on the weekend - should consider more inclusive policies for all parents.The 26 weeks of leave will apply to families of babies which are born from tomorrow, or who had a due date of July 1 or later. It will cost around $81 million a year.Parents will also be able to work more hours while on parental leave without it being considered a return to work.Known as "keeping in touch hours", parents can do occasional paid work with agreement from their employer. The maximum number of hours will lift from 52 hours to 64 hours.It is one of a raft of changes taking place on July 1, which include petrol tax hikes, free apprenticeships, pay rises for ECE teachers, and the lifting of the refugee quota.JULY 1 CHANGES• Paid parental leave lifted from 22 weeks to 26 weeks• Petrol excise rises by 4 cents (to 70c/litre)• Road user charges for diesel and heavy vehicles rise from $72 to $76/1000km• All apprenticeships and vocational courses in key industries become free for 2 years• 17,000 ECE teachers get a pay rise of up to 10 per cent• New Zealand's annual refugee quota lifted...

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Thursday, August 22nd. *)Sudan’s Hamdok takes office as PM, vows to tackle conflicts Sudan’s new prime minister was sworn in as the leader of a transitional government, and he vowed to prioritise peace and the economic crisis. The appointment of renowned economist Abdalla Hamdok came as General Abdel Fattah al Burhan took oath as the Sovereign Council leader. The army ousted leader Omar al Bashir in April but clashed with protest groups over who will run Sudan until an election after decades of autocratic rule. *)No Rohingya turn up for repatriation to Myanmar A fresh push to repatriate the mostly Muslim Rohingya refugees from refugee camps in Bangladesh to Myanmar did not have a successful start. A Bangladesh official said they had waited since 9:00 am local time, but the five buses and 10 trucks organised were still empty a few hours later. Some 740,000 of the Rohingya minority fled an army offensive in 2017 in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, joining the 200,000 already in Bangladesh. *)Turkey, US agree to launch first phase of Syria safe zone Turkish and US defence chiefs have agreed to launch the first phase of the northeastern Syria safe zone plan from Wednesday. Hulusi Akar and Mark Esper agreed both sides will meet soon to discuss the plan’s progress, Turkey’s Defence Ministry has said. Turkey and the US agreed in August to form a safe zone in northern Syria – a “peace corridor” for displaced Syrians. *)Indonesia blocks internet in Papua to help curb violent protests Indonesia cut off the internet in eastern Papua after protesters torched a building and a prison over the mistreatment of students in East Java. Police flew in 1,200 officers to Papua, where a separatist movement simmered for decades, to quell sometimes violent protests since Monday. The recent anger is linked to racist slurs against Papuan students detained over allegedly disrespecting the Indonesian flag. *)New Zealand’s boss babies And finally, Following Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s footsteps, New Zealand’s parliament speaker fed a baby boy amid a vigorous debate on fuel. Speaker Trevor Mallard, who often helps with baby duties at work, called for order while feeding MP Tamati Coffey’s baby Twotaynekay his bottle. Mallard relaxed laws to make parliament more child-friendly in 2017.

Deputy Speaker Anne Tolley feels awful that she upset Youth MP Lily Dorrance and has apologised to her, to Speaker Trevor Mallard, and to former Speaker David Carter.During a general debate in the House yesterday, Tolley interrupted Dorrance, who is the Youth MP for National MP David Carter, and asked her to speak without reading from her notes.Dorrance was giving an impassioned speech about mental health, and had spoken about losing a friend to suicide."When she interrupted me it was awful," Dorrance told the Herald last night."As soon as I sat down I burst into tears and had to leave … It was just humiliating."Tolley told Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford she's apologised for the incident, which came out of a misunderstanding."I had a discussion with the clerk at lunchtime cause I did ask are they respecting the normal rules of a general debate where you don't read speeches. I thought that he said yes they did, but apparently they didn't."Youth MP Ethan Griffiths said the Ministry of Youth Development told them to stick to their scripts, for Hansard's purposes."So we were actually instructed to write full speeches. Anne Tolley walked up into the house yesterday and decided no, that's not how we are going to do it."The capital has this week hosted the Youth Parliament, which every three years brings together teenagers from around the country to try their hand at being MPs, including by speaking in the House in front of cameras.Mallard said he did not comment on presiding officers.Where to get help:• Lifeline : 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)• Suicide Crisis Helpline : 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)• Youthline : 0800 376 633• Kidsline : 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)• Whatsup : 0800 942 8787 (Mon-Fri 1pm to 10pm. Sat-Sun 3pm-10pm)• Depression helpline : 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)• Rainbow Youth : (09) 376 4155• Samaritans 0800 726 666• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

COMMENT:What a shambles.As I said when he first did it, I am completely bewildered as to why Trevor Mallard chose to play judge, jury and town crier in one heady moment - which as it turns out is now nothing more than a defamation suit waiting to happen.Mallard, as Speaker of the House, was so far out of his lane I'm not sure what he was thinking.His time as Speaker has been controversial to say the least: he injects himself too much into the politics, he rarely shows the impartiality the job requires, he allegedly leaks stories to the media - basically he can't stay out of the fray.And now this. An alarmist assertion to the media, off the back of a bullying report, that there's a rapist on the loose in Parliament.On top of that Mallard doubles down later that day alleging the "threat" had been removed from the building.That so-called "threat" hopefully just went straight to a lawyer's office. I hope he gets the recourse he so justly deserves.Everything about the way Mallard handled this, as I said at the time, was a disgrace.From terrifying parliamentary staff, to playing judge and jury, to using the word "rape", to making the assertions publicly via the media - the whole thing was a cluster.The man at the centre of all this, potentially the only 'victim' here now - the one branded a "rapist" - had an unsubstantiated historic complaint against him that he hugged a woman from behind.The alleged incident was investigated and found to be without merit.What's even more staggering in all of this, is that Mallard knew all of that. Yet he still decided to call it rape anyway.He still decided to alarm and inflame, to label and to essentially wreck a person's career. We now hear that the man at the centre of this debacle is reportedly "in a very dark place".So has a Government so hot on bullying, so hot on mental health, so obsessed with people's 'wellbeing', just railroaded, bullied and shamed an innocent man out of town?I don't even think we need to wait and see whether this meets the legal definition of a defamation suit or not, Mallard needs to go either way. He's out of his depth, unprofessional, he's proven that he cannot do the one thing the Speaker is required to do: be impartial and stay in his lane.The greatest irony being that the very man who called for a report on bullying, it seems to me, turns out to be the bully.The incompetence he's displayed here proves the only threat to Parliament is actually ... Mallard himself.

A new report's revealed the difficulties some young people are having in cutting back on watching porn. The Office of Film and Literature Classification has released its findings after surveying more than 2000 teens. The NZ Youth and Porn report shows over two thirds of 14 to 17 year olds have been exposed to porn, with some struggling with it. Some teens reported feeling upset, sad, or unhappy while viewing porn. Violence and rape is also common, with almost three quarters of teens reporting they'd seen non-consensual activity in the porn they'd watched.Also today, National MPs staged a walk-out after Speaker Trevor Mallard ordered leader Simon Bridges to leave during Question Time. Shadow leader of the House Gerry Brownlee was also ordered to leave, after saying Bridges seemed to have struck a nerve. The furore began when the National leader quizzed the Prime Minister on the Karel Sroubek case - and was clearly frustrated at the answers he was getting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An independent review has been launched to into bullying and harassment in Parliament. The review had been talked about for a while, but has become more urgent after recent events, including the sexual assault scandal at Russel McVeigh, allegations of bullying behaviour by Botany MP Jami-Lee Ross, allegations of bullying by Meka Whaitiri, and Dame Laura Cox's report into bullying and harassment of the UK's House of Commons staff. Jami-Lee Ross and Meka Whaitiri both deny the claims. Speaker Trevor Mallard announced the review, and says bullying and harassment must be unacceptable in any workplace. The review comes as allegations bubble up of an 'inappropriate touching incident' at a Young National event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Jess is joined by Stuff Political reporter Jo Moir to go over the surprising EU announcement of free trade negotiations with New Zealand. We also look in the political effect of the mycoplasma bovis outbreak, and it looks like war between The Speaker Trevor Mallard & Deputy Leader of the Opposition Paul Bennett. In keeping with that we finish with a look back at Trevor Mallard’s Greatest Hits.