“The behaviour of Tau Henare in denying leave for Trevor
Mallard to speak in a special debate because he is not
Maori, is deplorable racism”, New Zealand First MP, Brian
Donnelly, claimed today.
The House had just given leave to
Sandra Lee and Alamein Kopu to speak on the use of Maori
language in Parliament, even though time was up for the
debate.
When leave was asked for Mr Mallard to speak, and
he had been seeking a call for some time, Tau Henare
declined the leave, stating to Mr Mallard “Because you are
not a Maori”.
“I have never before experienced a decision
being based upon the race of a member of Parliament”, Mr
Donnelly said.
“Mr Henare’s behaviour was disgraceful. He
has plunged Parliament to a new
low.”
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