Shadow Leader of the House Jonathan Hunt said Te Tai Hauauru MP Tukoroirangi Morgan had as usual got it wrong in attempting to explain an exchange in Parliament today over the use of the Maori language.

"I was one of the MPs who in 1985 forced changes to Standing Orders so that either English or Maori could be spoken in Parliament. I fully respect the right of MPs to speak in either language.

"The offence Mr Morgan committed today was that, while speaking in Maori, he alleged that New Zealand First leader Winston Peters had told lies. This was brought to the attention of the Speaker by Labour MP Dover Samuels, and Mr Morgan was forced to apologise.

"In my 32 years in Parliament I cannot recall a member using his or her knowledge of the Maori language to make such an accusation. I asked Mr Morgan to give a translation for the benefit of the Speaker and other MPs.

"Maori Affairs Minister Tau Henare later took the call in Parliament to suggest that the matter be considered by the next meeting of the standing orders committee, and I supported that proposal," Mr Hunt said.

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