PANSY WONG (National) Link to this
I seek the leave of the House to move with notice a motion in my name with regard to the earthquake in the Sichuan province of China.
Hon DARREN HUGHES (Deputy Leader of the House) Link to this
I think the member means “without notice” rather than “with notice”, and presumably she also means a non-debatable motion. She will read out what is in her name on the Order Paper.
Madam SPEAKERThank you. Perhaps the member would like to start again, because she said “with notice”. Would you please read it out, if there is a notice on the Order Paper.
PANSY WONG (National) Link to this
The notice of motion is on the Order Paper and is a non-debatable motion.
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. My party, and I am certain this is the case with every party, would have no objection, but rather would offer encouragement, in respect of what the member seeks. But there is a certain matter of courtesy here, and that member should have been required to consult the other political parties in this House. I am just making that known to her because she did not do us the courtesy of doing that. Notwithstanding that, we will still support her motion.
PANSY WONG (National) Link to this
I move, That the House acknowledge the devastating impact of the 7.9 magnitude earthquake in the Sichuan province of China, with the death toll standing at 13,000 and rising; note that this earthquake is the worst suffered by China in three decades; extend its heartfelt sympathy to the victims, their families, the people of China and the Chinese Government; and hope that in future there will be more cooperation between our two countries in sharing expertise on earthquake detection technology to minimise fatalities.