Personal Explanations

Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) Link to this

First, I would like to thank all those people who have sent me messages of condolence, inside and outside this House, and support since the death of my mother. Second, I must point out that New Zealand has just experienced a media ego explosion. It works like a neutron bomb. The egos remain intact, but the truth is ignored. And the fact that I am back now, with not one question being asked in respect of the matters raised while I was away, tells one volumes.

RODNEY HIDE (Leader—ACT) Link to this

I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. The House very generously gave leave for the Rt Hon Winston Peters to make a personal explanation. When a member is granted leave to make a personal explanation, the courtesy is that he or she makes one. We are still waiting for that Minister to answer the questions that this House has of him.

Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) Link to this

I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. If there was a shred of merit in that last point of order, the member would have asked a question. He has not—but very shortly I will be asking a question about him. [ Interruption]

JEANETTE FITZSIMONS (Co-Leader—Green) Link to this

The member knows quite well that no questions about donations to New Zealand First can be put to him in his ministerial capacity.

GERRY BROWNLEE (National—Ilam) Link to this

Noting the challenge laid out by the Minister of Foreign Affairs in his personal statement, I seek leave for a representative of the media to be able to make a reply to Parliament.

RODNEY HIDE (Leader—ACT) Link to this

I seek the leave of the House, in taking up Mr Peters’ invitation, to ask him what happened to the $25,000 given to the Spencer Trust and where it was spent. I seek leave to ask that question, and Mr Peters can answer it.