Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) Link to this
This morning at 9 o’clock in Auckland, on behalf of New Zealand First, I handed a cheque for $158,000 to Kay Hyman from Starship Children’s Health. The money will be used for paediatric research.
We have always contested, and continue to contest, the findings of the Auditor-General’s report against both New Zealand First and United Future, because both had their expenditure pre-approved by the Parliamentary Service and the Chief Electoral Office. I have written—
Hon Bill EnglishI raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. The member sought the indulgence of the House to make a personal statement, and the requirements around a personal statement are very well-known. This statement is going well outside those requirements. If we were aware that this would be the subject matter of the personal statement, we certainly would not have given leave, because it would not have met the requirements of the Standing Orders.
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS Link to this
The claim cannot be made that if one was aware something might have happened somewhere during someone’s personal statement, consent would not have been given. That would require someone to be clairvoyant. Mr English knows that. But the most important thing is that I have only two more sentences to go, one of which concerns the Auditor-General. It is a personal statement because it concerns exactly what we have done. That is all it is—two more sentences. All right?
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER Link to this
Yes, of course you will finish. But I just say that the member should not stray outside the facts of the matter he is raising. He is entitled, in my view, to have gone as far as he has, because he and his party have been under considerable attack in this House in respect of the subject matter of his personal explanation. I think he is explaining what they have done and why. But I advise the member not to go too wide.
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS Link to this
Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I have written to Kevin Brady, the Auditor-General, advising him of the donation and explaining that at least now some good will have come from this issue. I seek the leave of the House to table a photo of the donation taking place and my letter to the Auditor-General.
Chris TremainMr DEPUTY SPEAKER Link to this
I am pleased you waited till the point of order was finished, Mr Tremain. Thank you. Leave has been sought to table those items. Is there any objection? Yes, there is objection.
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) Link to this
I also seek leave for the National Party to explain now why it has not paid its GST—
RODNEY HIDE (Leader—ACT) Link to this
In a similar vein to Mr Peters’ seeking of leave for National to make an explanation, I seek leave for Mr Peters to make an attempt at an explanation about why he has not paid back the money yet.
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) Link to this
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. In response to an allegation that has now been made across the country by Mr Hide, I say that if he knew anything about the law, then he would know full well there is no cubby hole into which to poke any such payments, as the law has now changed. But we have done something worthy in the interests of the ordinary, poor people of this country—