MPs sworn in as 54th parliament officially opens

From this morning’s edition of The Bulletin: 

The call to protest should surprise no one. It has been signalled as a likely outcome of policy brought to light during the election campaign. Last Thursday, constitutional law professor Claire Charters told Waatea News that Māori may have no option but to protest against proposed policy changes. Former prime ministers and treaty ministers have all spoken about the potentially divisive nature of Act’s Treaty principles referendum policy. Historians and academics have also stated their case about the implications. Labour MP Willie Jackson summonsed the spectre of the Springbok protests when speaking to Q&A a month ago.

Speaking to Stuff’s Joel Maxwell, Paula-Maree McKenzie says there have been two nation-defining marches spanning the country in her lifetime, citing the land march in 1975 and the Foreshore and Seabed march in 2004. She was at both and said, “I’ve got my boots ready to walk wherever and whenever, if necessary.”

Police have just sent out a statement warning commuters of “large gatherings” in Auckland, central Wellington and a number of other main centres across the North Island.

“As expected, some of the gatherings are impacting on traffic across our roading networks,” said police. “Auckland motorists are advised there are heavy delays on parts of the motorway network this morning.”

Police are monitoring heavy traffic heading northbound on state highway one south of Ramarama. Meanwhile, out west there is also heavy traffic heading city bound on state highway 16 near Royal Road.

Delays are also expected on the Upper Harbour Highway ahead of the connection with state highway 16.

There have been no arrests so far, said police.

Earlier, police said they would remain “highly visible” on roads impacted by protests, but recognised the right to peaceful protest.

Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri said today’s protests were in response to plans by the new government to, among other things, remove references to Te Tiriti from legislation, remove Te Reo from public offices, and abolish the Māori Health Authority.

Speaking to RNZ, Waititi said there had also not been a “clear definitive no” that Act’s proposed Treaty principles referendum would not take place.

He said his party would continue to challenge the government on its plans, and took aim at Māori development minister Tama Potaka.

“If he can assure us that he is going to fight unequivocally for the mana of his people, for the mana of Te Tiriri… then that is something we will pay attention for,” said Waititi.

Asked whether his party would swear allegiance to the Crown, as is required by law to sit in the House, Waititi urged people to “keep their cameras rolling”. He said his party was going to “something very different” during today’s formal parliamentary opening, but signalled that Te Pāti Māori would ultimately swear allegiance.

Read more on the need to take the oath here

As Te Pāti Māori takes action today against what it has described as the “genocidal legacy” of the British Royal Family, it’s been reported that the head of that family will visit our shores next year.

Te Pāti Māori MPs have signalled they will ultimately swear allegiance to the Crown today, as is required to participate in parliamentary business. However, the party said in a statement that the Crown was “tainted with the blood of indigenous nations, and its throne sits at the apex of global white supremacy”.

But Australian media has reported that King Charles III and Queen Camilla will likely travel to New Zealand for their first official tour as heads of the monarchy in October 2024.

Here’s the latest from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

UPDATE – 8:20AM
Sections on State Highway affected:
SH1- Northbound lanes Bombay to Takanini
SH1 -Southbound lanes Greville Rd to Onewa Rd
SH16 – Southbound Westgate to Waterview Tunnel
SH1 – Both directions Te Kauwhata
Please avoid the area and consider delaying your journey. https://t.co/zbT7F9m4WV

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) December 4, 2023

Some protest groups have “started to disperse” following gatherings this morning, police have said.

“In Tāmaki Makaurau, police are continuing to monitor groups in various locations across the motorway network. While there has been traffic disruption, the protests have been peaceful and there have been no arrests.”

There may continue to be delays for motorists as traffic congestion clears, said police in a statement.

Most protesters have left parliament’s grounds, media in the capital have reported. According to RNZ, about 20 people now remain outside the Beehive.

A nice detail from the RNZ live blog, noting that a group of 15 primary schoolers stopped by the protest on their way to school. They were greeted by the co-leaders of Te Pāti Māori.

Another great sidenote: “Act leader David Seymour cast a cursory glance at those on the lawn as he strode briskly into the parliament buildings.”

With the protests largely winding down, we’ll be keeping an eye on any further developments this morning and be back to cover the official opening of parliament – which sounds like it could be especially interesting this year.

Photo doesn’t do the protest justice – oodles streaming down The Terrace here in Welly, towards Parliament. Feeling a bit emotional. pic.twitter.com/ULOng8ne8S

— Lainey 🌻 (@NZLainey) December 4, 2023

In addition to demonstrations held in Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Whanganui-a-Tara this morning, hundreds gathered in towns and cities all over the country to protest against the new coalition government’s “anti-Māori” policies. There were protests in Whangārei, Kirikiriroa, Tokoroa, Whakatāne, Ōpōtiki, Rotorua, Te Tairāwhiti, Hastings, Palmerston North, Masteeton, Nelson and Dunedin, to name a few. In Whanganui, State Highway 3 was temporarily blocked and diversions were put in place, according to a police statement.

Hundreds of people in Whakatāne said Toitū te Tiriti this morning.
Ngā mihi @Maori_Party for the call to action. #HonourTiTiriti#youaintseennothingyet pic.twitter.com/pbzA09Nqli

— Alice in the sunshine (@AliceWCameron) December 4, 2023

Mōrena e hoa, from Heretaunga. Here for karakia #ToitūTeTiriti✊ pic.twitter.com/DsoERE7cpB

— NinjaKitty (@JtheNinjaKitty) December 4, 2023

 

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Good turnout in Masterton. Thank you Māori mā, Pākehā mā 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/pOI6UAY9JS

— Jo (@phdwahine) December 4, 2023

 

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Those who couldn’t make the main car-focused protest in Auckland but still wanted to show their support set up in spots overlooking the motorway around the city. About five protesters flew flags and held placards on Upper Queen Street Bridge, over State Highway 1 in central Tāmaki Makaurau, from 6am till 10am. “We got all the work traffic, cars and bikes,” said one. “It died down so we thought it was a good whack. Heaps of support.”

Meanwhile, as of 10am, hundreds of protesters remained at Māngere Bridge.

First thing I noticed is the seating layout. It’s been quite a while since you saw National MPs sitting on the left side of the speaker. Christopher Luxon is flanked by his deputy Winston Peters on one side and his finance minister Nicola Willis on the other.

On the other side of the house, Labour is filling the opposition benches. It appears Grant Robertson has opted not to wear a tie, because things are clearly loose in opposition. There’s a lot of very exciting headwear from others, including Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi.

Waiata filled the debating chamber before the three commissioners, representing the governor general, entered to begin the official ceremony.

MPs have been told they must elect a speaker of the house who shall present themselves by 1.45pm this afternoon.

National has made it clear it intends to nominate Gerry Brownlee for the role of speaker, and it’s likely this decision will be endorsed by the house.

The three commissioners have now left the debating chamber and three wigged men have taken their place.

Steve Abel of the Greens is the first to be summoned forward to take the oath of allegiance and sign some fancy looking papers with a “provided pen”. I guess it’s because there are no MPs with the last name Aardvark or Aaron.

He has opted to take his oath in te reo.

Ginny Andersen, is next, and has also taken the oath in te reo.

With 123 MPs in this parliament, and the promise of some possible disruption from certain MPs, we could be here for a while.

After Chris Bishop took his oath, Labour leader Chris Hipkins and Grant Robertson quickly leant over for a chat and a little giggle. They’re directly in view of the camera. They may just be talking about the weather but I can’t help but imagine they’re sharing a bit of schoolyard goss.

Meanwhile, I’ve spotted Marama Davidson, Ginny Andersen and Chris Bishop on their phones. I can’t blame them, this is long and a bit tedious. But shouldn’t they also be setting an example for the school children soon to be banned from texting in the classroom? I can’t tell from the camera angle, but Megan Woods is either snoozing or also on her phone.

While most MPs have gone for the tried and true black (select one) Barkers/Working Style/Rembrandt suit, Efeso Collins has donned this lovely white number.

It contrasts nicely against Grant Robertson behind, who a) looks like he’s on his phone and b) has gone tie-less.

A baby in the public gallery appeared to take severe issue with National’s Matt Doocey as he took the oath of allegiance.

It suspiciously stopped crying as soon as the Dooc completed his constitutional duties.

Te Pāti Māori’s Takuta Ferris has sworn allegiance in te reo Māori after first acknowledging his mokopuna, te tiriti, and tikanga.

In order to participate in parliamentary business, new MPs must swear allegiance to the Crown. Ferris concluded his oath by acknowledging te kingi, though did not follow the same format as other MPs.

Tākuta Ferris, the first of six te Pāti Maāori MPs sworn in today, offers allegiance to the Treaty of Waitangi from his seat in the house, before taking the formal affirmation to the King Charles III pic.twitter.com/fXg9dUUosU

— Ben McKay (@benmackey) December 4, 2023

Ferris was greeted by a stern response as he approached the wigged men to complete his oath.

Opposition leader Chris Hipkins has officially been sworn back in as a member of parliament, rushing through the oath as quickly as possible.

Others now sworn in include Shane Jones, Willie Jackson and Andy Foster.

This is thrilling stuff.

As Christopher Luxon wandered up to swear his oath, his predecessor Chris Hipkins offered some useful advice: “It’s heirs and successors,” he said.

During his swearing in as prime minister last week, Luxon mispronounced it as “hairs”.

Luxon didn’t appear to acknowledge the jibe today.

Moments later, National’s David MacLeod said “hairs and successors”.

There are 14 MPs currently on their phone in the House, according to our eyes and ears in the room, Wellington editor Joel MacManus.

Earlier, Chris Bishop posted this advert for Santa’s Grotto to his Facebook minutes after being sworn in as an MP. Unless it was a scheduled post, it appears he opted to share this space age grotto (featuring a swiss ball?) while sitting in parliament.

Three Te Pāti Māori MPs appear to have altered the oath to King Charles III while being sworn in as members of parliament today.

The 122 members of the new parliament are being sworn in in alphabetical order, and many are opting to use the reo Māori oath, which pledges allegiance to “Kīngi Tiare te Tuatoru” – King Charles the third. Tiare is the standard Māori version of Charles.

But Tākuta Ferris, the new MP for Te Tai Tonga, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Te Pāti Māori co-leader and MP for Te Tai Hauāuru, and Rawiri Waititi, co-leader and MP for Waiariki, appear to have said “Kīngi harehare te Tuatoru” instead.

Harehare means rash and can be used as an insult.  A spokesperson for Te Pāti Māori, however, told The Spinoff he believed they were saying “haarehare”, which he said was Charles in the East Coast dialect.

Te Pāti Māori has tried to renominate Labour’s Adrian Rurawhe to be speaker of the house. But, he turned down the nomination.

“What a pity,” said Rawiri Waititi.

Instead, to a rousing applause, National’s Gerry Brownlee has taken on the ceremonial role for the 54th parliament.

“What a surprise,” joked Brownlee, thanking MPs for the nomination and support. He acknowledged the seven speakers that had come before him and pledged to “do his best” to be fair and even across the House.

Paying tribute to his predecessor, Brownlee thanked Rurawhe for bringing calm to parliament at a “time when it needed it”.

Everything has kind of wrapped up for now at parliament, but you may have some lingering questions about how the swearing in process went.

Thankfully, Otago University’s Andrew Geddis is here to save the day. He’s taken a close look at the approach to the oath taken by Te Pāti Māori and whether what they did was legal.

Find that here. If anything else happens today, we’ll have it for you over on the live updates page.