The Privileges Committee chaired by Judith Collins will proceed with its scheduled hearing this afternoon, despite Te Pāti Māori MPs refusing to attend, citing a “denial of natural justice” and calling the process a “kangaroo court.”
The MPs argue that their request for a joint hearing, the inclusion of a “tikanga expert”, and representation by chosen senior counsel were unfairly denied.
While Collins said that only the committee can alter the schedule, she noted the hearing may be closed to the public.
Green Party members support the incorporation of tikanga Māori in parliamentary processes, with Marama Davidson and Ricardo Menendez March advocating for “cultural respect” and reform of “outdated rules”.
In contrast, ACT leader David Seymour slammed the MPs’ absence, suggesting their pay be cut to ensure compliance, while Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stressed the need for rule enforcement to maintain parliamentary order.
The whole lot of them think they are gods, sick of hearing their rhetoric.
Dismiss her, bring on the next one.
Colonisers always resist change and must continue oppressing the natives
natives dont really appreciate what colonists brought to NZ. Would you prefer KFC or your neighbour for dinner?
Wouldn’t mind a taste of civilisation
The natives oppress each other.
Wonder if these brown folk would have been happier colonized by the Germans or French or, oh, another warrior class of primitive peoples? Oh that’s right, the Marioris suffered just that fate! How did that work out???
What was the committee’s planned business? This article has no context.
Also, what’s up with the overt racism in the comments, people…bigotry is gross.