Speaker issues apology to Peters

WELLINGTON: The Speaker of the House has apologised to former deputy prime minister Winston Peters for issuing him an ‘‘unreasonable and irrational’’ trespass notice.

In a statement from newly confirmed Speaker Adrian Rurawhe, he apologised for the notice, which was served to Mr Peters by then speaker Trevor Mallard.

The statement also said Mr Rurawhe retracted and apologised for comments that were related to Mr Peters in a May press release, published by Mr Mallard.

‘‘The Speaker has admitted to the High Court at Wellington that the exercise of power under section 26 (2) of the Parliamentary Service Act 2000 to issue Mr Peters a warning under section 4 of the Trespass Act 1980 was unreasonable and irrational,’’ the statement read.

‘‘He has further admitted to the High Court that issuing the warning was an unjustified limitation on Mr Peters’ right to freedom of movement under section 18 of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, and that Mr Peters had not acted in any way which justified him being issued with the warning.’’

A decision from the High Court is pending.

This week, Mr Mallard resigned as Speaker. His replacement, Mr Rurawhe, was confirmed as his successor on Wednesday afternoon.

Mr Peters, the New Zealand First leader, received his trespass notice after a brief visit to the Parliament occupation protest with former NZ First MP Darroch Ball on February 22.

Mr Mallard withdrew the notice on May 4, but Mr Peters issued judicial review proceedings against Mr Mallard in June.

In a statement, Mr Peters said Mr Mallard’s conduct was a ‘‘disgraceful indictment’’ on his ability as Speaker.

Mr Peters claimed Mr Mallard’s shift to become New Zealand’s ambassador to Ireland was a ‘‘staggering insult’’ to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ‘‘every New Zealander’’.

Mr Mallard was approached for comment. —