Speaker of the House Gerry Brownlee has issued a firm warning to MPs following last Thursday’s disruption in Parliament, where a haka was performed from the public gallery after Te Pāti Māori MP Oriini Kaipara’s maiden speech ran significantly over time.
Brownlee said he suspended the House after what he described as “disruption” from the gallery, stressing that while there was no issue with the haka itself, there was a clear breach of parliamentary procedure.
“There is no issue with waiata, there is no issue with haka,” Brownlee said. “But there is an issue with the disrespect for process that was shown last Thursday.”
He explained that the business committee had granted Te Pāti Māori’s request for Kaipara’s maiden speech to take place straight after question time, rather than in its usual evening slot, on the understanding that it would be a brief statement within the 15 minutes allowed under standing orders.
“That did not occur,” Brownlee said. “The speech went on for quite some time well past the 15 minutes, followed by a waiata and then a haka from the gallery. It was disorderly for the member to continue speaking beyond the allocated time, and despite several bells politely indicating that time was up.”
Brownlee said the decision to continue speaking beyond the agreed time showed “contempt” for the business committee’s process.
“To ignore a business committee decision challenges the premise that all members are honourable members and can be taken at their word,” he said. “There will be future requests to accommodate various requests from Te Pāti Māori. Consideration of those requests will be clouded by the disruption of last Thursday.”
The Speaker said the incident reflected a concerning disregard for parliamentary standards.
“After nearly two years in this role, it’s now regrettably clear that some elected to this House see disruption and dissent as more important than legislative achievement,” he said. “I respect that all members are equally elected, but they equally have a responsibility to uphold the dignity of the House.”
He said his comments were not about limiting debate but about protecting the institution’s integrity.
“This does not preclude vigorous debate, and it does not imply consensus of views,” Brownlee said. “But it does require respect for process and respect for one another.”
While no formal complaint has been lodged, Brownlee said leaders must take greater responsibility for the behaviour of their caucuses.
“Leaders have an obligation to instil discipline,” he said. “Parties receive funding to give effect to the benefit of caucus discipline, and that benefits not only Parliament but the individual members themselves.”
Brownlee confirmed he would be tightening standards in the House following the disruption.
“From this point, I will more critically apply the limited measures available to a Speaker to ensure greater respect is shown from members one to the other, and to the dignity and processes of the House,” he said.
He said he would also consult the business committee about changes to attendance records, dress standards, and leave provisions.
“From today, question time will revert to standing order 397(1), and supplementary questions will be entirely at the discretion of the Speaker,” Brownlee said. “Respect and dignity should be at the front of minds for all members of this House.”
