Latest news with #ToitūTeTiriti
Scoop
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Winston Peters Apologises For Calling Te Pāti Māori MP Tākuta Ferris A 'Dickhead' In The House
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has apologised for calling Te Pāti Māori MP Tākuta Ferris a "dickhead" in the House, but is questioning whether the word is offensive. The Speaker will review the incident, and report back to the House on Thursday. Peters was answering questions from Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson on behalf of the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, Shane Jones. "Does he think it's hypocritical that last year Aotearoa pledged $16 million to the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, yet this year we've had the largest coral by-catch event in 15 years, dredging up to six tonnes of ancient coral from the sea floor?" Davidson asked. "No such pledge was made by any such country as named by that questioner," Peters responded. Peters has repeatedly bristled at other MPs referring to the country as Aotearoa. The Speaker, however, is no longer hearing points of order over the use of the word. "Are you sure?" asked Ferris. "Yes, I am positive. Unlike you, you dickhead," Peters responded. The comment could be heard on the hot mic, and has been recorded in Hansard, the official record of things said in the House. Ferris later raised a point of order. "I've witnessed many times in this House disparaging comments being made between sides, and I'm quite sure that being called a 'dickhead' would fall in line with that tikanga of the House," he said. The Speaker said he had not heard the allegation until Ferris brought it up, and encouraged Peters to withdraw and apologise. Peters initially refused to apologise, arguing that Ferris had not raised the matter of offence. Ferris said he had taken personal offence, so Peters apologised. "On the basis that when I was trying to get my thoughts together on the answer to Marama Davidson's questions, he was interrupting me. I apologise for calling him what I said he was." ACT leader David Seymour also raised a point of order regarding Ferris' Toitū Te Tiriti t-shirt, and whether the Speaker would reflect on his earlier ruling around political motifs and branding in the House. In 2024, Gerry Brownlee banned ACT MPs from wearing party-branded pins in the debating chamber. Brownlee told Seymour he would reflect on the matter. As the matter was now in the hands of the Speaker, Peters would not answer questions about the incident on his way out of the House. The New Zealand First leader is often critical about the language used by other MPs. But in this case, he questioned whether the word he used was offensive. "Is it bad language?" he asked reporters. Peters instead said it was "wrong" that another MP was interfering with him being able to hear a question.
Scoop
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Māori Organisations Condemn Destiny Church's Attacks On Faith-Based Communities
Toitū Te Tiriti and Kaiāwhina Aotearoa unequivocally condemn the abhorrent actions of Destiny Church targeting faith communities in Tāmaki Makaurau on Saturday, 21 June. ' This was not a protest. It was a calculated media stunt that caused harm to many communities across Aotearoa,' stated Arama Rata, spokesperson for Kaiāwhina - a group that provides community care at protests in Tāmaki Makaurau. On Saturday afternoon, Destiny Church members marched down Queen Street, led by Brian Tamaki. During the march, Destiny affiliates desecrated flags representing Buddhist, Sikh, Muslim, Palestinian and Rainbow communities, while spouting hateful rhetoric and performing haka. Spokesperson for Toitū Te Tiriti Eru Kapa-Kingi criticised the action stating ' this action was not rooted in our tikanga,' as, ' haka should not be misused to disrespect and attack others - all peoples have mana and tapu.' ' The leaders of Destiny should be ashamed in using whānau who are still finding themselves to push their own hate politics ' Eru also said. Public displays of vitriol are known to create the conditions for physical violence. The Royal Commission into the March 15 terror attacks warned explicitly about this trajectory. ' When communities are openly targeted in this way in our streets, it demands our immediate action,' Rata stated. She continued, ' We reject the actions of Destiny Church. They do not represent Māori. Brian Tamaki's stated goal to rule New Zealand as the head of Christian nationalist state is fundamentally opposed to our Māori liberation movement, and should not be tolerated.' Kapa-Kingi concluded, ' During the Hīkoi Mō Te Tiriti, we were honoured to march side by side with Tangata Tiriti of all faiths who came to show their support for Māori and to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi. To our whānau who are Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, Hindu, Palestinian, Rainbow and Takatāpui, we see you and commit to standing by you against violence.'
1News
06-06-2025
- Politics
- 1News
David Seymour defends role in Oxford Union 'stolen land' debate
Newly minted Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour says his self-funded trip to participate in the Oxford Union is worth doing despite his growing workload back home, because the world can learn from New Zealand's experience. Seymour has followed in the footsteps of some of the world's most prominent people, speaking at an Oxford Union event in England. Oxford Union claims to be the "most prestigious debating society in the world'', on its website. Established in 1823 with a commitment to freedom of speech and expression, the union's members largely remain University of Oxford students. The Deputy Prime Minister has followed in the footsteps of some of the world's most prominent people, speaking at an Oxford Union event in England. (Source: 1News) ADVERTISEMENT Seymour was opposing the moot "This House Believes No One Can Be Illegal on Stolen Land" alongside United States immigration reform advocates RJ Hauman and Art Arthur. The proposing side are historian Aviva Chomsky, Palestinian peace activist Nivine Sandouka and Australian Senator and Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens Mehreen Faruqi. Both sides will also include a student speaker. "I believe we're one of the most successful societies that there are in a world that is very troubled in many ways," Seymour told 1News. "A country like New Zealand that does practise the rule of law, that has sought through treaty settlements to right the wrongs of the past, that does welcome migrants." Seymour said he thought the invite was a prank until he saw that Labour MP Willie Jackson had participated in a debate at the union last year. He is opposing the moot "This House Believes No One Can Be Illegal on Stolen Land" alongside United States immigration reform advocates. (Source: Breakfast) On now being linked to the group of distinguished people that have spoken at Oxford Union events, Seymour said humour was his best chance for standing out. ADVERTISEMENT "Albert Einstein's been here, so I'm not the smartest.,They've had people like Elton John, so I'm not the most famous and I don't know if I'll be the funniest, but that's probably the best area to compete," he said. Toitū Te Tiriti spokesperson critical of moot Toitū Te Tiriti spokesperson Eru Kapa-Kingi has criticised Oxford Union's debate topic of "This House Believes No One Can Be Illegal on Stolen Land," saying discussing topics like this under the principle of freedom of expression is "ultimately dangerous". Toitū Te Tiriti spokesperson Eru Kapa-Kingi. He says this principle creates "opportunity for more embedded stereotypes which will damage not only current generations but also future generations of indigenous communities who are in the process right now of reclaiming and reviving their own identity, culture and political authority". Kapa-Kingi helped lead the hīkoi to Parliament opposing the Treaty Principles Bill, which failed at the second reading in Parliament. He's also been critical of Seymour participating in the debate, saying it's problematic. ADVERTISEMENT "He has neither the qualification nor the lived experience to talk either about illegal immigration or the colonisation of indigenous cultures, particularly through the theft of land… "Also, given David Seymour's most recent track record in terms of the Treaty Principles Bill and most recently the Regulatory Standards Bill, direct attacks on indigenous rights, tangata whenua (Māori) rights in Aotearoa, this is a provocative move inviting him to partake in this debate concerning those exact rights.' Kapa-Kingi said he questions the integrity and credibility of the debate, perceiving the event as a "deliberate attempt to incite what will inevitably be hateful rhetoric, damaging rhetoric to indigenous communities". Parliament punishment, free money?, getting wicked again (Source: 1News) Kapa-Kingi said Māori with formal qualifications and lived experience would be a better pick to take part and 'carry the kōrero with respect, honour and in a way that's genuinely productive and genuinely thought-provoking". Seymour has rejected the comments, saying everyone is allowed to share their perspective on an issue. "I think that they need to start respecting each person's dignity and right to have views and share them, instead of trying to say that some people are less able to express a view which seems to be exactly what they believe.' ADVERTISEMENT Seymour claimed the protest group divides society "into victims and villains and we should each know our place". "Well actually I think that we all get a time on earth and should be able to make the most of it, share the ideas that are important for us, throw away the ones that we don't like." A long history of distinguished guests As well as debates, the Union has a long history of hearing from distinguished people from around the world. This has included Albert Einstein, Mother Teresa and Malcolm X. Controversial speakers have also been invited over the years, sparking dramatic protests. New Zealand's most famous Oxford Union debate moment came in 1985 when former Prime Minister David Lange responded to a student speaker that he would answer his question, "if you hold your breath just for a moment... I can smell the uranium on it as you lean towards me!" David Lange at the Oxford Union event in 1985. (Source: TVNZ) Lange won the debate, arguing that "nuclear weapons are morally indefensible" and drawing international attention to New Zealand's anti-nuclear stance.
1News
06-06-2025
- Politics
- 1News
David Seymour taking part in 'stolen land' debate at prestigious Oxford Union
Newly minted Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour says his self-funded trip to participate in the Oxford Union is worth doing despite his growing workload back home, because the world can learn from New Zealand's experience. Seymour has followed in the footsteps of some of the world's most prominent people, speaking at an Oxford Union event in England. Oxford Union claims to be the "most prestigious debating society in the world''," on its website. Established in 1823 with a commitment to freedom of speech and expression, the union's members largely remain University of Oxford students. He is opposing the moot "This House Believes No One Can Be Illegal on Stolen Land" alongside United States immigration reform advocates. (Source: Breakfast) ADVERTISEMENT Seymour was opposing the moot "This House Believes No One Can Be Illegal on Stolen Land" alongside United States immigration reform advocates RJ Hauman and Art Arthur. The proposing side are historian Aviva Chomsky, Palestinian peace activist Nivine Sandouka and Australian Senator and Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens Mehreen Faruqi. Both sides will also include a student speaker. "I believe we're one of the most successful societies that there are in a world that is very troubled in many ways," Seymour told 1News. "A country like New Zealand that does practice the rule of law that has sought through treaty settlements to right the wrongs of the past that does welcome migrants." Seymour said he thought the invite was a prank until he saw that Labour MP Willie Jackson had participated in a debate at the union last year. On now being linked to the group of distinguished people that have spoken at Oxford Union events, Seymour said humour was his best chance for standing out. "Albert Einstein's been here, so I'm not the smartest. ADVERTISEMENT "They've had people like Elton John, so I'm not the most famous and I don't know if I'll be the funniest, but that's probably the best area to compete," he said. Toitū Te Tiriti spokesperson critical of moot Toitū Te Tiriti spokesperson Eru Kapa-Kingi has criticised Oxford Union's debate topic of "This House Believes No One Can Be Illegal on Stolen Land," saying discussing topics like this being discussed under the principle of freedom of expression is "ultimately dangerous". Toitū Te Tiriti spokesperson Eru Kapa-Kingi. He says this principle creates "opportunity for more embedded stereotypes which will damage not only current generations but also future generations of indigenous communities who are in the process right now of reclaiming and reviving their own identity, culture and political authority". Kapa-Kingi helped lead the hīkoi to Parliament opposing the Treaty Principles Bill, which failed at the second reading in Parliament. He's also been critical of Seymour participating in the debate, saying it's problematic. ADVERTISEMENT "He has neither the qualification nor the lived experience to talk either about illegal immigration or the colonisation of indigenous cultures, particularly through the theft of land…" "Also given David Seymour's most recent track record in terms of the Treaty Principles Bill and most recently the Regulatory Standards Bill, direct attacks on indigenous rights, tangata whenua (Māori) rights in Aotearoa, this is a provocative move inviting him to partake in this debate concerning those exact rights.' Kapa-Kingi said he questions the integrity and credibility of the debate, perceiving the event as a "deliberate attempt to incite what will inevitably be hateful rhetoric, damaging rhetoric to indigenous communities". Parliament punishment, free money?, getting wicked again (Source: 1News) Kapa-Kingi said Māori with formal qualifications and lived experience would be a better pick to take part and 'carry the kōrero with respect, honour and in a way that's genuinely productive and genuinely thought-provoking". Seymour has rejected the comments, saying everyone is allowed to share their perspective on an issue. "I think that they need to start respecting each person's dignity and right to have views and share them, instead of trying to say that some people are less able to express a view which seems to be exactly what they believe.' ADVERTISEMENT Seymour claimed the protest group divides society "into victims and villains and we should each know our place". "Well actually I think that we all get a time on earth and should be able to make the most of it, share the ideas that are important for us, throw away the ones that we don't like." A long history of distinguished guests As well as debates, the Union has a long history of hearing from distinguished people from around the world. This has included Albert Einstein, Mother Teresa and Malcolm X, to name just a few. Controversial speakers have also been invited over the years, sparking dramatic protests. New Zealand's most famous Oxford Union debate moment came in 1985 when former Prime Minister David Lange's responded to a student speaker that he would answer his question, "if you hold your breath just for a moment... I can smell the uranium on it as you lean towards me!" David Lange at the Oxford Union event in 1985. (Source: TVNZ) Lange won the debate, arguing that "nuclear weapons are morally indefensible" and drawing international attention to New Zealand's anti-nuclear stance.
Otago Daily Times
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Halfway down ‘Dickhead' Road
When was the last time you really, truly respected one of our politicians? Looked up to one, even? Don't spend too long mulling over your answer. If it hasn't come to mind within a few seconds, then that probably tells you all you need to know. The times have changed, of course, since such prominent leaders as National's Keith Holyoake and John Marshall ("Gentleman Jack") and Labour's Bill Rowling strode the New Zealand political stage, emanating careful concern, politeness and a genuine desire to treat others graciously and with dignity. Today we might be tempted to call them stuffy or pompous, prim and proper. But one thing they weren't, at least in public, was nasty or loud-mouthed. The rise in nastiness and adoption of rabble-rousing techniques came in with the arrival of the doughty, confrontational Robert Muldoon as prime minister in the mid-1970s. It would be far from truthful to say every politician since has exhibited such truculence, as plenty during the decades since have continued to be trustworthy and garner public respect. However, Mr Muldoon certainly opened the door to a new spiteful and pugnacious style of politicking. Leader of the House is one of the most senior and important roles in Parliament. The minister bestowed with that title at the behest of the prime minister has to manage the passage of government business through the House and takes primary responsibility for the programme of making new laws. The holder of these tasks is expected, one might think, to display maturity and gravitas. That person should lead by example, and be worthy of being ranked in the government's top three or four ministers. Hutt South MP Chris Bishop has been Leader of the House since November 2023 and also holds several large portfolios, including transport and housing. He has been a colourful and somewhat controversial minister since first being elected as a list MP in 2014. As affable as Mr Bishop is, he has also shown he is unafraid of speaking out bluntly on issues he views as too left-wing or woke. Leader of the House Chris Bishop. Photo: ODT files Fast forward to last Thursday evening's Aotearoa Music Awards in Auckland and an episode which was caught on video. Seemingly irritated by a performance by singer Stan Walker which featured Toitū Te Tiriti banners and others waving tino rangatiratanga flags, Mr Bishop uttered "what a load of crap". Kiwi musician Don McGlashan decided to take Mr Bishop to task for his outburst, although he said after he did not realise at first who he was. "I could hear an enormous amount of ranting, kind of against the whole thing. I didn't get the full gist of it, but it was basically — 'the hīkoi is ages ago, sit down everybody'," Mr McGlashan told RNZ. "Shut up, you dickhead," Mr McGlashan said and then repeated when Mr Bishop replied, "What did you say to me?". By then, he recognised who Mr Bishop was. In the subsequent reporting imbroglio, Mr Bishop admitted his comments were poorly judged and "on reflection, I should have kept my thoughts to myself". But he denied claims he had remarked specifically on the hikoi and presented the red herring that the response was a "political smear job". He subsequently declined to apologise to Walker. Unsurprisingly, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon does not want a bar of it. Also unsurprisingly, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour has backed Mr Bishop, saying a senior minister should not stop having opinions and that "it may be that people will agree with him". Yes indeed, Mr Bishop, you should have kept your thoughts to yourself. This occasion was neither the time nor the place for such conduct, especially not for someone of such seniority. Even in this more casual world, we expect our ministers to behave less like larrikins and more like role models. If Mr Bishop is struggling to think of some recent examples of humility, civility and quiet determination in the House, how about Sir Geoffrey Palmer, Sir Don "McKinnon, Sir Pita Sharples, Nikki Kaye, Dame Jacinda Ardern, Doug Woolerton, Jeanette Fitzsimons? Is it too much to ask for politicians we can respect again?
