Peters hits out after Parliament trespass
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has asked Speaker Trevor Mallard to speak to other parties about the decision to trespass former deputy prime minister Winston Peters from Parliament.
Peters said he was trespassed for two years after attending the occupation by the anti-vaccine and anti-mandate protesters.
His arrival followed a trespass notice being issued to the protesters, saying they could no longer occupy the lawn of Parliament as they had erected tents and were blocking off roads.
Former National MP Matt King has also been sent a letter trespassing him from Parliament grounds.
In a statement, Peters said the move was outrageous. He blamed Mallard for the move.
On Monday night, Mallard said the decisions about trespass were being made by Parliamentary security, not him.
But Ardern said the decision ‘‘ultimately’’ rested with Mallard and she has asked him to call together the Parliamentary Services Commission, so all parties could discuss the decision.
‘‘I’ve encouraged him to give the opportunity for all of the parties within Parliament to discuss the issue and see if we can reach a consensus around the issue of trespass notices and how they apply,’’ she said.
‘‘Ultimately, this does sit with the Speaker, but I think it is useful for parties to be able to hear him out about how he came to the
‘‘This dictatorial behaviour by Mallard should be reserved for Third World banana republics.’’
Winston Peters
Former deputy prime minister
decision and to make a joint decision, as much as they’re able to, about whether or not MPs should ultimately be treated differently than everyone else.’’ Peters said it was ‘‘dictatorial’’. ‘‘This dictatorial behaviour by Mallard, supported by Labour, should be reserved for Third World banana republics,’’ he said.
‘‘What’s more astounding is that the Speaker of the House of Representatives in our country could possibly attempt to trespass former Members of Parliament – of whom some are leaders of political parties planning to run against the sitting Government in around 18 months’ time.’’
Peters said there was a difference between the protesters who were there peacefully and those who engaged in violence at the end – when tents were set alight and rocks thrown at police.
He questioned whether the reporters who followed him into the protest were also being trespassed, and said he was seeking legal advice on the decision.
‘‘Speaker Mallard has lost the plot and will continue to do so if he thinks he can enforce his unreasonable and unlawful decision.’’
King said he felt a ‘‘lot better’’ knowing Peters had been trespassed too.
‘‘They probably had to, they couldn’t single me out and not him,’’ he said. He doubted the decision would stand up in court.
National leader Christopher Luxon said he would not comment as it was a matter for the Speaker.
Parliamentary Services has been asked for comment.