5. HONE HARAWIRA (Māori Party—Te Tai Tokerau) Link to this
to the Minister of Police
How many DNA samples have the New Zealand Police taken from young people 17 years old and under over the last year; and what type of charges, if any, were laid against the young people who had DNA samples taken from them?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Police) Link to this
Police advise me that there are more than 100,000 profiles on the national DNA database, and that over the last 12 months only 190 samples have been taken from people aged less than 17 years. In the limited time available the Police have not been able to carry out an audit to establish the exact details of each of those 190 cases.
Has she seen the complaint from South Auckland lawyer Shane Tait that three of his clients were told by the police to give a DNA sample voluntarily, or face arrest for reporting late to the police station; and what action was taken to discipline the officers for their illegal activity?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
No, I have not seen that complaint, but I have seen numerous media comments about that, none of which gave any details as to the constables who are alleged to have done that, or the clients, or anything that could identify them. I invite the member, yet again, to give any details to either the Commissioner of Police or the Independent Police Conduct Authority. He can always send them to me if he likes and I will pass them on.
Has she seen today’s Internet posting, which reads: “Full credit to you Hone for bringing to light the Nazi-style tactics used by New Zealand’s biggest gang, the police, when collecting DNA samples. The issue, however, seems to be more widespread than just Māori. I am an educated European female who has never been convicted, or even suspected, of an offence but was subjected to similar, bully-style treatment and incorrect information with regard to provision of a DNA sample. I completed a Police Complaints Authority submission on this exact point earlier this month. It’s”—
Mr SPEAKERI realise that the member is quoting, but he cannot quote endlessly like that when asking a question. I believe that he was asking the Minister whether she had seen something. The Minister may answer.
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I doubt whether my supplementary question was the longest one we have received this week in the House, and I am surprised that you have cut me short before I had completed it.
With respect to the honourable member, he does not need to quote endlessly to make a point. I believe that he could have quoted sufficiently from what he wanted to quote and asked the Minister a question. The member could see the House getting restless as he was going on and on, and he knows the Standing Orders. Is he complaining that he has not been able to ask his question because I have cut him short?
I am complaining that the question I have asked is not as long as other supplementary questions that have been asked this week and not stopped, and therefore, I should have been allowed the opportunity to complete my supplementary question.
If the member feels offended, I apologise, but the Speaker has ruled, and that is it. The member will resume his seat and the Minister will answer.
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
I have not seen any Internet blog or comment from a self-described educated European woman, who then goes on to make quite atrocious comments about New Zealand police officers.