Eckhoff to Sutton: Bring it on!

ACT Rural Affairs spokesman Gerry Eckhoff has written to Speaker Jonathan Hunt to request he refer to the Privileges Committee a letter from Jim Sutton suggesting he mislead Parliament.

"During Wednesday's General Debate I accused Mr Sutton of failing to protect and stand-up for farmers' property rights; that he is advocating against their best interests; and that many in rural New Zealand believe the Minister has betrayed them.

"Mr Sutton couldn't handle the truth and wrote to the Speaker complaining that my speech was `deeply offensive and unparliamentary'. His scurrilous attack on me as an advocate for rural communities was outrageous.

"What I find deeply offensive and unparliamentary is Mr Sutton's complete abandonment of the very people he is supposed to be representing at the Cabinet table.

"I welcome the opportunity to discuss Mr Sutton's shameful record as Minister at a meeting of the Privileges Committee. It may be necessary to hold hearings around the country, so that farmers can show their dissatisfaction with the Minister.

"My message to Jim Sutton is simple: Bring it on"!

*Copies of Jim Sutton and Gerry's letters to the Speaker are available on request

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Gordon Campbell: On The Government's Assault On Maori

This isn’t news, but the National-led coalition is mounting a sustained assault on Treaty rights and obligations. Audrey Young in the NZ Herald has compiled a useful list of the many ways Christopher Luxon plans to roll back the progress made in race relations over the past forty years. He has described yesterday’s nationwide protests by Maori as “pretty unfair.” Poor thing. More