Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I seek leave to move that the House undertake an urgent debate over the takeover of New Zealand Dairies Ltd by Nutritek. Moments after we asked our question in the House today, we received information—namely, there are a number of issues concerning the relationships between shareholders. An internal review is being conducted by Nutritek right now, and some employees are being stood down from their duties because of what has happened in respect of this transaction. We believe that it is urgent; we feel that these issues require the urgent attention of the House right now.
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Minister for the Environment) Link to this
I am reluctant, without consulting the Leader of the House, to block in a debate in the way it would normally be done. I ask whether the member could consult the Leader of the House and possibly come back to the House later, if he has such an agreement.
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
He is in his office at an urgent meeting. Members will understand that question time has gone well beyond the normal time.
Madam SPEAKERRt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) Link to this
It would be helpful, and I say it behoves the Minister, who was one of the decision makers in this, as I understand, to obtain the leave of his colleague now, because this is an urgent matter. When we receive information that a transaction that has gone out of New Zealand’s ownership might involve some totally untoward dealing, I think the House should be dealing with it right now. So I am prepared to wait a few more minutes if he will find out.
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) Link to this
I seek leave that in half an hour we have a debate on the issue of the takeover of—
No, we cannot do that. I do not think that that actually solves the problem, at all. I think we should put the question now. The member can always raise it again at another point. But it gets too messy, I think. So leave has been sought—
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Minister for the Environment) Link to this
We have attempted to get the Leader of the House. He is currently speaking at a public meeting and we will try to get back to him as soon as possible.