Follow RT on Maori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi was ejected from New Zealand’s parliamentary chambers after accusing a fellow MP of engaging in racist rhetoric, and then performing a ceremonial dance to express his displeasure.
Waititi took offense after National Party leader Judith Collins pressed Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern about the government’s plan to introduce a separate health service for indigenous people. The initiative has been billed as an attempt to improve the quality of medical care for the Maori community. Debate over the controversial changes has raged for several weeks, with Collins accusing the government of promoting a
Resignations does not resolve those issues : Ardern stops short of sacking Speaker Mallard Newshub 4 hrs ago
Replay Video
Parliament is in clean-up mode after the wheels came off entirely during an explosive late-night session.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is fuming and scolded House Speaker Trevor Mallard on Wednesday for re-litigating sexual assault allegations against a former parliamentary staffer who he d already falsely accused of rape.
But the Prime Minister stopped short of sacking Mallard to the horror of the National Party which has labelled him a disgrace and a bully.
There was barely a peep from Mallard on Wednesday when Newshub approached him for a response. He said he s prevented by court suppression order and mediation agreement from commenting outside the parliamentary process.
Ardern said she spoke with Mallard on Wednesday morning. He retains my overall confidence; however I have expressed serious concerns to him about the manner in which he conducted himself in the House last night. It did not meet the standards I expect. Nor do I consider it to have met the needs of the victim in this situation. The Speaker acknowledges he did not meet his own standards either.
Ardern also slammed the Opposition s inappropriate behaviour. Issues of this serious nature should not be litigated in Parliament in such a manner. It was wrong. Parliament rightly needs to set standard for others to follow.