Thursday, 3 February 2005

Dunne elected constitutional committee chair

United Future leader Peter Dunne was today elected chair of Parliament’s constitutional arrangements select committee.

“Now we can get down to the serious business of reviewing New Zealand’s somewhat scattered arrangements and see what improvements, if any, are needed,” he said.

The committee has representatives from United Future, Labour, the Greens, and ACT, but is being boycotted by National and New Zealand First.

Mr Dunne said the door was still open to all parties to take part in what will be a long-term examination of New Zealand’s nationhood and as such, he hoped the issue could be taken above daily party politics.

“This is an important first step – it is not a headlong rush to constitutional change.

“Our constitution is the property of all New Zealanders and it is important that all of them have a say in its future development,” said Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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