9. TE URUROA FLAVELL (Māori Party—Waiariki) Link to this
to the Minister of Justice
Ka whakaae te Kāwanatanga ki te tūtohutanga i te purongo o te Komiti o te Whakakotahitanga o ngā Iwi o te Ao e kī nei “The State party should consider relinquishing the use of electro-muscular disruption devise (EMDs) ‘TASERs’ ”; ki te kore, he aha ai?
[Will the Government agree to the recommendation from the United Nations Human Rights Committee report that “The State party should consider relinquishing the use of electro-muscular disruption devices (EMDs) ‘TASERs’ ”; if not, why not?]
Hon SIMON POWER (Minister of Justice) Link to this
No. Tasers are an important tool to ensure the safety of police officers and the public, particularly since New Zealand is one of only six countries in the OECD that does not routinely arm its police force. The Government has no plans to relinquish their use. I am confident that the procedures and processes in place are sufficient to meet any concerns.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
He aha te whakautu a te Kāwanatanga ki ngā āwangawanga o te Komiti Whakatika Tangata o te Kotahitanga o te Ao—
[What is the Government’s response to the concerns of the United Nations Human Rights Committee—]
Mr SPEAKERI suspect that the problem is that there is no interpretation. Let me see whether we can sort that out instantaneously, otherwise I may have to ask the honourable member to repeat the question in English. Sadly, the Speaker cannot translate—much to my regret. Let me just see whether we can check why the interpretation is not coming through.
I ask the honourable member to start the question again. If we do not get the interpretation, I regret to do it and hope that he is not offended, but I will have to ask him to ask his question in English. I ask him to start again, if he would not mind.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
He aha te whakautu a te Kāwanatanga ki ngā āwangawanga o te Komiti Whakatika Tangata o te Kotahitanga o te Ao, e pā ana ki te noho tārewa o ngā kēhi tae noa ki te 2011 mō te hunga kua hāmenetia e te Operation Eight; ā, he aha hoki tāna ki te tūtohutanga o te komiti, kia kaua e waiho i ngā kēhi nei kia tārewa mō te wā roa?
[What is the Government’s response to the concerns of the United Nations Human Rights Committee about cases involving suspects arrested during Operation Eight being held over until 2011; and what is his response, as well, to the recommendation that these cases not be held over for a lengthy period of time?]
The matter the member refers to is currently before the courts. It is not appropriate for me to comment at this time, other than to say that those arrested during Operation Eight are being accorded all their fair trial rights. This is one of the matters in respect of which the United Nations Human Rights Committee has asked for an update from the Government in 1 year’s time.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
He aha te whakautu o te Kāwanatanga ki tā te ripoata o te komiti e kī nei, me kaha aro atu te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa ki te whakakore i ngā mahi aukati i te iwi Māori i roto i te whakatinanatanga o te ture?
[What is the Government’s response to comments in the committee’s report that the Government of New Zealand should increase its efforts to prevent discrimination against Māori in the implementation of justice?]
I do not accept the assumption that there is an institutional discrimination against Māori in the administration of justice. However, the overrepresentation of Māori in the criminal justice system is a particular concern of this Government. The Government has identified four priority areas to reduce offending and reoffending. One of those is alcohol, and the others include antenatal and maternity treatment, and programmes to address behavioural problems in young children. Again, this is one of the matters in respect of which the committee in New York has asked for an update in 12 months’ time.
Keith Locke: I seek leave to table the final report of the United Nations Human Rights Committee in which the criticisms of Government policy—