The man, 28-year-old Brenton Tarrant, appeared in the Christchurch District Court this morning.
He did not seek name suppression and has been remanded in custody.
Tarrant was handcuffed and appeared calm in court.
His appearance was over in five minutes, with the judge considering media applications from outlets from around the world. Pictures were allowed to be taken of the accussed but Tarrant’s face had to be pixelated.
Police said while he is currently facing only one charge, further charges will be laid.
The case will go to the High Court.
The court was closed to the public during the appearance due to the heightened security risk and media were walked in six at a time.
RNZ court reporter Anneke Smith said the charging document at court alleged the 28-year-old murdered a person whose name is suppressed by the judge.
The judge allowed media to take images but ordered Tarrant’s face to be pixelated to protect his fair trial rights.
A large media presence was at the court.
The police cordoned off a block near the Christchurch district court where the alleged gunman appeared.
A block east of the court has been cordoned off, with a bomb sniffer dog team and the armed offenders’ squad in attendance.
Samoa’s Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi says World Rugby’s proposed Nations Championship is a tournament for the rugby’s rich elite.
The governing body wants a 12 team global championship to start in 2022, that would feature teams from the Six Nations and Rugby Championship as well as two additional countries based on world rankings.
Fiji and Japan were invited to a meeting in Dublin earlier this week, where World Rugby said the concept would guarantee over six and a half billion US dollars of investment in the sport over 12 years.
But Tuilaepa, who is also Chair of the Samoa Rugby Union, said the fact Italy are assured of a place, despite being ranked a lowly 14th in the World, proves the competition is not based on merit but purely on the wealth of the unions concerned.
“Italy does not rank high but because of the fact that it is within the Six Nations tournament it is chosen – not on the basis of the ranking. As well Japan and, if you consider the Pacific, right now Fiji is ranked ninth so Fiji ought to be included in the new set-up.”
Samoa and Fiji have both made two appearances in the Rugby World Cup quarter finals, while Tonga famously beat France at the 2011 tournament.
Tuilaepa said the Manu have a proud history in the international game and excluding tier two nations from any global league would be “hypocrisy of the highest order.”
“Since 1991 we have beaten over time the Irish, the Welsh many times, Scotland, Italy and of course the Wallabies. These are tier one countries and in 2013 we achieved the highest ranking of seventh in the world but we were never recognised as a country that should move up to tier one,” he said.
Tuilaepa said the biggest problem for tier two nations is the lack of international competition because the schedule is dictated by World Rugby.
“With more international competition the quality of our game is raised and we can never do that because of the decisions that are being made in Dublin.”
This article is republished under Kaniva’s content partnership with Radio New Zealand.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Police Commissioner Mike Bush are giving a statement on the mosque shootings.
Watch Jacinda Ardern speaking to media:
Forty-nine people died at Al Noor Mosque next to Hagley Park and the Linwood Masjid Mosque.
Ms Ardern told media this morning she has just been briefed by intelligence officials.
She confirmed there are 49 people dead and over 40 were being treated in hospital, two of these people were in critical condition.
She also confirmed a five-year-old was transferred to Starship Hospital – the only transfer that had taken place.
Ms Ardern said work was underway to confirm the identities of those who have died but that all those who were injured had been identified and their families told.
She said Christchurch Hospital is well equipped and coping well and that pathologists had made themselves available, and a number were coming in from Australia.
Ms Ardern said three people have been arrested in relation to the attacks and an Australian will appear in court today.
“This individual has travelled around the world, with sporadic periods of time spent in New Zealand. They were not a resident of Christchurch, in fact they were currently based in Dunedin at the time of this event,” she said.
Inquiries are ongoing to establish whether the other two arrested were directly involved.
A fourth person was a member of the public who was armed but had the intention of assisting the police. They have been released.
The prime minister said police were working to build a picture of those in custody.
“None of those apprehended had a prior criminal history either here or in Australia,” she said. “They were not on any watchlists here or in Australia.”
Agencies have been asked to work swiftly to assess whether there were any posts on social media that should have triggered a response.
“Today as the country grieves, we are seeking answers,” Ms Ardern said.
Talking about the weapons used, she said she was advised that there were five guns used by the primary perpetrator.
“There were two semi automatic weapons and two shotguns. The offender was in possession of a gun license, I’m advised that this was acquired in November of 2017. A leather action firearm was also found.”
Ms Ardern said the safety of New Zealanders the biggest priority.
“I can tell you right now our gun laws will change.”
Christchurch residents have been asked to remain at home.
Armed police remain at a cordon near the Masjid Mosque in Linwood, Christchurch, this morning.
The corner of Hereford Street and Linwood Avenue remains closed to the public with closed signs, emergency tape and orange cones blocking access.
Ms Ardern said 45 additional police staff have flown to Christchurch with over 80 flying in today. Detectives, public safety teams and intelligence support are among the police staff.
Ms Ardern urged anyone in New Zealand to call or text 1737 if they are feeling distressed.
She reiterated calls from the police not to distribute material, like videos, related to the attack and stated that it is an offence to do so.
Yesterday police immediately secured the area, arrests were made swiftly and Defence quickly made improvised explosive devices safe, Ms Ardern said.
Mosques around the country have received advice from police about staying safe and have been told to stay closed.
Ms Ardern said the threat level remains at high and as such triggers increased aviation and border security.
A number of specialist family liaison staff have been deployed and the wider government will be working with leaders and members of the wider muslim community to provide assistance, reassurance and support.
Wally Huamaha and 15 ethnic liaison officers are assisting to repatriate loved ones in a way that is consistent with muslim beliefs while taking into account specific circumstances and obligations to the coroner, Ms Ardern said.
She is now flying to Christchurch on a Defence Force plane with leader of the opposition Simon Bridges and other political leaders.
Ms Ardern yesterday said it was “clear this was one of New Zealand’s darkest days”.
She said the attack is an extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence.
“These are people that I would describe as having extremist views, that have absolutely no place in New Zealand and in fact have no place in the world.”
This article is republished under Kaniva’s content partnership with Radio New Zealand.
The ASB Polyfest final day has been called off after the shooting in Christchurch this afternoon which killed 49 people.
Forty-one people died at the Deans Avenue mosque, while seven died at the Linwood Avenue mosque, and another person who was being treated at Christchurch Hospital has since died.
Another 48 people have gunshot wounds, with more than 20 in a serious condition.
The injured include young children, Radio New Zealand has reported.
Christchurch Hospital said operations will continue through the night on those people who are critically ill.
Police are in attendance at an address in Dunedin which they say is connected to the attack.
The New Zealand prime minister has described the mass murder as “one of New Zealand’s darkest days” and a clear terrorist act.
The Polyfest team have announced the cancellation on its Facebook page this morning.
“The ASB Polyfest Trust Board and ASB Polyfest Director have decided to cancel the final day of this year’s festival in light of the terrorist attack that has taken place at two mosques in Christchurch this afternoon,” it said.
“Chair of the ASB Polyfest Trust Gregory Pierce and ASB Polyfest Event Director – Seiuli Terri Leo Mauu said this evening “the safety and well-being of our student performers, and the public that come to enjoy the festival is always paramount in our planning.”
“Today’s events in Christchurch have unsettled some of our performers, Polyfest staff, schools and our sponsors, and to respect their well-being we have decided to cancel the final day of the festival.”
“If the event had gone ahead there would have been a significant presence of heavily armed police at the festival which would not have been appropriate for Saturday’s family day focus at the ASB Polyfest.”
The organisers will be available for media queries, at the Manukau Sports Bowl on Saturday morning at 10am.
***URGENT ANNOUNCEMENT*** Final Day of ASB Polyfest cancelled – 16 March, 2019The ASB Polyfest Trust Board and ASB…
The Minister for Pacific Peoples MP Aupito William Sio also announced on Facebook that the festival has been called off as a result of the attack.
“ASB Polyfest 2019 final day (Saturday) is cancelled,” he wrote.
“NZ’s national security alert level has moved from low to high.”
The largest Māori and Pacific Islands Festival in the world kicked off on Thursday.
The ASB Polyfest is one of the most iconic Auckland festivals and this year celebrates its 44th anniversary.
As Kaniva reported this evening, the Tongan and Pasifika communities were concerned on social media with many calling on authorities to cancel Saturday’s Polyfest events following the shooting.
“Should cancel it keep our families safe,” a commentator wrote
“It should because as an ethnic group, we are one of their targets,” another wrote.
“They should cancel it. No one knows all the connections. Better to be safe,” one wrote.
” There is always a follow on attack so better safe than sorry…”
However some commenters did not agree.
“it should not be cancelled a lot of schools have sacrificed a lot time and effort into this festival along with parents as well.”
Another said New Zealand shouldn’t let “terrorists change us as a nation.”
Events called off
The Prime Minister has cancelled her scheduled events after the shooting she described as “a terrorist attack and New Zealand’s threat level had been raised from low to high.”
Jacinda Ardern has been in New Plymouth for various announcements and a school visit. She had been due to open the Womad music festival this evening.
The third cricket test between the Black Caps and Bangladesh in Christchurch has been called off after the shooting which happened nearby.
The shooting happened just minutes away from Hagley Oval, where the test was set to be held, and the Bangladesh cricket team narrowly avoided the incident, having to flee the scene, New Zealand Herald has reported.
“The team had just arrived at the Al Noor Mosque for Friday prayer when a gunman opened fire, with video showing several Bangladeshi players and media escaping the scene.”FacebookTwitterGoogle+PrintEmailShare
The Tongan and Pasifika communities are concerned on social media with many calling on authorities to cancel tomorrow’s Polyfest events following the deadly shooting in Christchurch this afternoon.
At least 49 people were killed in attacks on two separate mosques which were carried out by a white supremacist on Friday, officials said.
Unofficial reports on social media said the Polyfest team were holding a meeting to discuss tomorrow’s events.
“ASB Polyfest might be cancelled tomorrow. The
festival team will confirm soon,” TVNZ’s Tagata Pasifika reporter John Pulu
said on Facebook.
The post has attracted a number of concerned commentators.
“It should because as an ethnic group, we are one of
their targets,” a commenter wrote.
“Should cancel it keep our families safe,” another
wrote.
“They should cancel it. No one knows all the connections. Better to be safe,” one wrote.
” There is always a follow on attack so better safe than sorry…”
However some commenters did not agree.
“it should not be cancelled a lot of schools have sacrificed a lot time and effort into this festival along with parents as well.”
Another said New Zealand shouldn’t let “terrorists change us as a nation.”
Polyfest, the world’s biggest Pacific Island dance festival, kicked off on Thursday in Auckland.
The 44th ASB Polyfest, which runs until Saturday, was expected to see more than 12,000 secondary school students take to the stage.
Events called off
The Prime Minister has cancelled her scheduled events after the shooting she described as “a terrorist attack and New Zealand’s threat level had been raised from low to high.”
Jacinda Ardern has been in New Plymouth for various announcements and a school visit. She had been due to open the Womad music festival this evening.
The third cricket test between the Black Caps and Bangladesh in Christchurch has been called off after the shooting which happened nearby.
The shooting happened just minutes away from Hagley Oval, where the test was set to be held, and the Bangladesh cricket team narrowly avoided the incident, having to flee the scene, New Zealand Herald has reported.
“The team had just arrived at the Al Noor Mosque for Friday prayer when a gunman opened fire, with video showing several Bangladeshi players and media escaping the scene.”
Lord Sevele
should have another chance to argue his case for compensation over the
government’s decision to abandon the 2019 Pacific Games, the Supreme Court has
ruled.
Lord Chief
Justice Paulsen said justice required that Lord Sevele be given an opportunity
to be heard.
His ruling
followed an application by the government to strike out Lord Sevele’s
claims against them. He had amended the
argument set out in claims over his dismissal.
The Supreme
Court ruling stemmed from the Tongan government’s decision to hold the 2019
South Pacific Games.
In 2013 the
Pacific Games Organisation Act was passed to establish the Tonga Pacific Games
Organizing Committee to organize,
oversee and conduct the games.
Lord Sevele
was appointed by CEO of the committee.
On or about
May 17, 2017, the Government
of Tonga decided
to withdraw from holding the Games.
At a meeting
of 27 July 2017, the Committee decided to wind up its affairs and agreed to
terms upon which Lord Sevele’s employment would
be terminated. The
Committee agreed to pay him TP$105,869.98.
On August 3,
2017, the Committee notified the Government of the terms of the
settlement. The Government did
not respond.
In late
September that year Lord Sevele’s counsel wrote to the Minister of Finance, asserting
that the Government was responsible for payment of the
settlement sum. Again
the Government did not respond.
Lord Sevele
began legal action over the payment in January 2018.
The
committee, which no longer existed as a legal entity, did not file a statement
of defence. The government did not file a statement of defence.
The Supreme
Court entered judgement in default of defence as to liability against the government.
The
government applied to have this judgement set aside and this was done in
November.
In November
last year the government applied to have the plaintiff’s statement of claim
struck out.
Lord Sevele
then filed amended statements of claim in December last year.
Lord Chief
Justice Paulsen ruled in favour of the government in their application to have
the amended statements be struck out.
“The amended
statement of claim presently pleads no tenable causes of action and is otherwise defective.” the judge said.
However, he
said a claim based on breach of the plaintiff’s constitutional rights could not
be excluded.
“In my view,
this case raises an important issue
and while the amended statement
of claim should be struck out the justice of the case requires that the
plaintiff be given a further opportunity to amend his claim,” the judge said.
The
main points
Lord
Sevele should have another chance to argue his case for compensation over the
government’s decision to abandon the 2019 Pacific Games, the Supreme Court has
ruled.
His
ruling followed an application by the government to strike out Lord Sevele’s
claims against them. He had amended the
argument set out in claims over his dismissal.
The
Supreme Court ruling stemmed from the Tongan government’s decision to hold the
2019 South Pacific Games.
Forty nine people have died in two mosque shootings in Christchurch, with explosive devices found attached to vehicles of some of those arrested.
Thirty people died at the Deans Avenue mosque, while 10 died at the Linwood Avenue mosque, while a further 20 people are seriously injured and in intensive care, Ms Ardern said.
Canterbury DHB said 48 patients with gunshot wounds are being treated at Christchurch Hospital.
Ms Ardern said it can only be described as a terrorist act and the national security threat level has been lifted from low to high.
She said this was a well-planned attack, with explosive devices also found attached to vehicles of some of those arrested.
Ms Ardern said it appears there are no other shooters at large, but they cannot assume that.
None of the people arrested were on a terrorist watch list, she said.
Earlier this afternoon Police Commissioner Mike Bush said there were multiple fatalities and that three men and one woman are in custody. Police cannot confirm whether there are other people involved.
An Australian is among those arrested following the Christchurch shootings, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.
Mr Bush confirmed there were fatalities at two different locations – a mosque at Deans Ave and a mosque at Linwood Ave.
He said he was unsure if other locations were under threat or if other people were involved. Police still do not have the identity of the victims of the shooting. Police are setting up a facility so that people can phone in and check on their loved ones, Mr Bush said.
Police say they are still treating the situation in Christchurch as ongoing, and strongly urge people to stay indoors, and keep safe.
“We have mobilised every police resource in the Canterbury region to respond to this,” Mr Bush said.
“There were a number of IEDs attached to vehicles that we also stopped. They’ve been made safe by the Defence Force but that does go to the seriousness of the situation.”
Mr Bush said social media footage of the incidents is very disturbing and police are looking at how to remove it from the public domain.
Police have told mosques nationwide to shut their doors until further notice, as the situation in Christchurch unfolds. The mosques where the shootings occured, in Riccarton and Linwood, remain in lock down.
Police are unsure if other locations are under threat and officers have been mobilised across the country, Mr Bush said.
He warned anyone who was thinking of going to a mosque anywhere in New Zealand today not to go, and for mosques to close their doors until they hear from police.
Christchurch Airport is still open, however some flights have been cancelled. Air New Zealand has cancelled 17 regional turbo prop services this evening as it is not possible to screen customers and their baggage, but jet operations from Christchurch Airport will continue.
Forty-eight patients with gunshot wounds are being treated at Christchurch Hospital after the attacks.
Canterbury District Health Board chief executive David Meates said the patients range from young children to adults with gunshot wounds, with injuries ranging from critical to minor.
He said 12 operating theatres are currently in use and due to the nature of some of the injuries, many people will need multiple surgeries.
There is sufficient capacity and staff at Christchurch Hospital and the police cordon has been lifted from the site, so people who need emergency health care can now attend the Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department, he said.
About 200 family members are on site awaiting news of their family members, Mr Meates said.
A witness said a man wearing a military-style jacket opened fire inside the mosque on Deans Ave.
The head of the Federation of Islamic Federations of New Zealand, Dr Mustafa Farouk, told RNZ that up to 500 people were inside the mosque.
Mr Farouk said he believes members of the Bangladesh cricket team may have been worshipping at the mosque at the time.
He said Friday is a big day for the mosque and there would have been between 300 and 500 worshippers there today.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board confirmed all members of the team are safe in Christchurch.
“All members of the Bangladesh cricket team in Christchurch, New Zealand are safely back in the hotel following the incident of shooting in the city,” the BCB’s official Twitter account tweeted.
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board is in constant contact with the players and team management.”
A witness earlier told RNZ they saw at least five people lying on the ground at the Deans Ave mosque.
“There was blood everywhere.”
Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel said police are getting the situation under control but it is critical that people stay away from the central city until further notice.
“This is not something I would ever expect to see in the city and it’s not something I would ever expect to see in New Zealand, so it is serious and they [police] are treating it seriously,” Ms Dalziel told Checkpoint.
“I am very shocked by what I’m hearing but for me but the priority is getting the message out to people they have to stay safe, stay calm and to provide the reassurance that if they’re inside a central city building they must stay there in order to stay safe.”
Police are getting the situation under control, but it’s critical that people stay away from the central city until further notice, she said.
“All council buildings in the central city are in lockdown and police are requesting central city building owners do the same.
“We’re looking after some students who were at the climate change rally. They are safe here and we will keep them here until we are advised by the police they can leave.”
Students had come into the council building chanting about climate change which Ms Dalziel had also attended in Cathedral Square to receive a letter being sent to all civic leaders.
“They didn’t know [about the shootings]… I was the one that had to tell them there’d been a serious incident and the police were asking them to stay put within the building and that was the advice I gave them.
“It has been nerve-racking for them. But the first piece of advice I gave them was to get on their mobile phones and text their families and tell them they were safe … so they’re busy on their cellphones and talking to people. They’re safe here.”
Earlier, Ms Ardern said many of those who will have been directly affected by the shooting will be migrants and refugees.
“They have chosen to make New Zealand their home and it is their home. They are us.”
“The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not. They have no place in New Zealand. there is no place in New Zealand for such acts of extreme and unprecedented violence which it is clear this act was,” she said.
The Prime Minister has convened a high level committee brought together to respond to serious security events.
The Officials Committee for Domestic and External Security Coordination, or ODECS, is a committee of chief executives which manages national security.
Its role is to co-ordinate the response to serious security events across the whole government and advise on how resources are best deployed.
Police are urging people in central Christchurch to stay indoors and report any suspicious behaviour immediately to 111.
All schools in Christchurch were put into lockdown just after 2pm, but that was lifted at about 6pm and parents were asked to contact their school to find out what arrangements there are for collecting their children.
Deans Ave has been closed between Moorhouse Avenue and Riccarton Road. Motorists are being advised to avoid the area.
The president of the international Muslim Association of New Zealand said his community was in shock.
Wellington-based Tahir Nawaz said the attack on the mosques in Christchurch was not something he ever thought would happen in New Zealand.
“New Zealand is known as a country with loving people and we have a peace and harmony with other religions and people. Having something like this is a big shock.
The Jewish community, and others from the area, have been in touch to offer help, and bringing flowers, Mr Nawaz said.
“They are extending a hand to help,” he said.
More to come.
This article is republished under Kaniva’s content partnership with Radio New Zealand.
Several people have been killed at shootings at mosques in Christchurch and dozens are injured.
What happened?
Dozens of people have been shot and injured and police say there has been “multiple fatalities” after shooters opened fire at two mosques in Christchurch – Masjid Al Noor Mosque next to Hagley Park, and at the Linwood Masjid Mosque in the suburb of Linwood.
About 300 people were inside the mosque for afternoon prayers.
Police said four people – three men and a woman – are in custody, but are unsure if there are more offenders.
What’s in lockdown?
All schools in Christchurch have been put into lockdown, as well as Christchurch Hospital.
Police said all mosques nationally to shut their doors, that people should not visit them until further notice.
The hospital has alerted the public that it is in lockdown, with no staff or patients able to enter or leave the buildings.
The district health board will not comment further on the reasons for the lockdown.
But they said the public should not go to the hospital unless an emergency.
What roads are closed?
Deans Ave has been closed between Moorhouse Avenue and Riccarton Rd. Motorists are advised to avoid the area.
What are witnesses saying?
Witness Azam Ali said people were shot and covered in blood after a man open fired at a mosque 10 minutes into their prayers.
What are the authorities saying?
Police are urging people in central Christchurch to stay indoors and report any suspicious behaviour immediately to 111.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is due to address the media at 4pm in New Plymouth.
This article is republished under Kaniva’s content partnership with Radio New Zealand.
The Tongan kupesi Manulua was one the designs from various nations in the Pacific which appeared on New Zealand Police’s first Pasifika car.
The vehicle was launched at the 2019 Polyfest at Manukau Sports Bowl this morning.
It was unveiled by the Governor General Dame Patsy
Reddy and Acting Minister of Pacific Peoples Carmel Sepuloni, along with the
Police District Commander for Counties Manukau, Superintendent Jill Rogers.
The Pasifika Car was created to acknowledge the
important relationship between New Zealand Police and the country’s Pasifika
community.
Superintendent Jill Rogers says Pasifika peoples make
a vibrant contribution to the increasing cultural diversity of Aotearoa, and
are an integral part of the Tāmaki Makaurau and Counties Manukau community
especially.
Manulua design
“With an estimated 200,000 Pasifika people living in
Auckland, it’s important that we reach out to that community and connect with
them,” she says.
“This car is a symbol that shows our dedication to do
just that, and also New Zealand Police’s commitment to celebrate the communities
we serve.”
District responsiveness advisor, Senior Sergeant
Tafāfuna’i David Laumatia says it follows the success of the Pirihimana car.
“We are super excited about this car, we see it as a
gift, a taonga, a mealofa, to our Pasifika
community to engage them and build relationships,” he says.
Last year, Police launched its Pasifika National
Strategy, O Le Taeao Fou, to guide how Police will work with New Zealand’s
Pasifika communities to deliver better outcomes for Pasifika peoples.
2018 also saw a record number of Pasifika recruits
enter the workforce, with 49 recruits graduating.
“There are a lot of really positive initiatives and
developments going on in this space, and this is just the latest.”
The car, dubbed Va’a, meaning Boat, includes key Pasifika
symbols in its design, sourced from tapa, fine mats and tatau.
“Police recognise the social importance of tapa within
our Pasifika communities, particularly in the form of gifting.
The car is our gift to the Pasifika community in the
area.
The tatau design at the front and rear represents
protection, guidance and strength.
Police will continue to be protectors of our Pasifika
Communities and provide guidance and strength to our communities when needed,”
Senior Sergeant Tafāfuna’i David Laumatia says.
The Va’a will be based in Counties Manukau but will be
used for various community events, workshops, recruitment drives and career
seminars around Tāmaki Makaurau, and throughout the country.
A meeting
this morning to resolve a disagreement between the noble MPs and the Cabinet
ministers in Parliament ended in deadlock.
The nobles
continued boycotting Parliament this morning after the government refused to conduct
another public consultation on six new Bills and amendments to the constitution.
The government
was expected to table the Bills in Parliament this afternoon.
In his
opening statement to the House, the Speaker, Lord Fakafanua, said the meeting
between the nobles and ministers had not reached any solution.
He said
another meeting between the two parties was expected soon.
Prime
Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva used the urgency law to block any decision by
Parliament to allow another public consultation on the new Bills.
Hon. Pōhiva
told the House the government had fulfilled all legal requirements before the
new Bills and amendments were to be submitted to the House.
He said
Acting Attorney General ‘Aminiasi Kefu had informed the public during the radio
talk back public consultation that people who did not have a chance to have their
say on the new Bills could submit their concerns to Parliament.
Vava’u 15 MP
Samiu Vaipulu pleaded with the government to accept the nobles’ request and
allow another public consultation when the Bills were submitted to the House.
The House was
told that once the Bills were tabled in Parliament the law automatically
allowed Parliament to decide whether or not to conduct another public consultation.
Government blocks public consultation
However, the
Speaker warned that the law also governed whether Members of Parliament could
decide on whether or not to hold a public consultation.
He said if
the government submitted the Bills with a letter signed by the Prime Minister
saying these Bills were “urgent,” this meant the House would not have the power
to make that decision.
The Speaker
asked the government benches what it would do when the Bills would be submitted.
In response,
the Prime Minister said the government would submit the Bills with a report and
a letter from him saying the Bills were urgent.
The Chair
then moved on a motion from the Prime Minister to postpone the Parliament’s
session until March 27 before it closed on March 28. Today was the last day for
the Parliament sessions.
Hon. Pohiva
said this would allow the House to fulfill debates and voting on these Bills.
The motion
was carried 15-2.
The main points
A
meeting this morning to resolve a disagreement between the noble MPs and the
Cabinet ministers in Parliament ended in deadlock.
The
nobles continued boycotting Parliament after the government refused to conduct
another public consultation on six new Bills and amendments to the
constitution.
The
government was expected to table the Bills in Parliament this afternoon.
