Hon Tariana Turia
Co-Leader of the Maori Party, MP for Te Tai Hauauru
15 May 2009 Media Statement

Turia slams Labour’s silly attempts

Tariana Turia has described the hundreds of amendments put forward by the Labour Party as a “mockery” of New Zealand’s democratic process.

"For the first time ever, I walked out of the house today totally disgusted with this behaviour which Labour thought was very amusing.

“The Maori Party is vehemently opposed to the proposed legislation on the Auckland super city.

"But we cannot believe the farce that Labour has forced on the House, with so many ridiculous amendments which have dragged on and on. They are wasting tax payers’ money and valuable constituency time.

“Who in their right mind would put up amendments that state:
• omit the words ‘Auckland Council’ and insert ‘Sons and Daughters of Maui Council’;
• omit the words ‘Auckland Council’ and insert ‘Everyone Belongs Council.’
• or 365 amendments which go, day by day from 1 January 2010 to 1 January 2011?"

“All the amendments Labour has put up are like this – they have no depth, no real meaning, no substance and quite frankly they are wasting everyone’s time, including their own.

“I will be calling on the Business Committee to put an end to ploys like this which turn the Parliamentary process into a sham.”

ends

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