Hon Dr PITA SHARPLES (Co-Leader—Māori Party) Link to this
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. It is in respect of the order of the House. I noted the announcement from the Clerk of the House that simultaneous interpretation will be introduced into the House when it resumes in 2010. The Māori Party is pleased to hear this advice. We believe that it will increase the understanding of Māori, add to the profile of te reo, improve pronunciation, and establish the status of te reo as an official language in this land. We seek clarification from the Speaker as to how this service will impact on the operations of the House.
Mr SPEAKERI am sure the matter will be dealt with in due course, and there are a range of mechanisms for me to make sure members are fully aware of that. I undertake to the honourable member that we will make sure members are made fully aware of the impact. We will not take further time of the House now to pursue that matter.