Media Release
For immediate use - Wednesday 9th February 2000
INDEPENDENCE NEEDED FOR MMP REVIEW - NZ FIRST
New Zealand First has asked the Prime Minister to appoint an independent person to head the MMP Review Committee because
of the public anti-MMP stance taken in the past by the Speaker, Jonathan Hunt.
The Leader, Rt Hon Winston Peters, today met the Attorney-General, Margaret Wilson, to discuss the review and its terms
of reference.
"We have told Labour that it would not be appropriate for Jonathan Hunt to Chair the Committee because he is already on
record as opposing the MMP electoral system.
"It should also be obvious that the appointment of an independent, respected outsider would create more public
confidence in the review.
"Parliament should be seen to be placing the interests of the people above the interests of political parties," said Mr
Peters.
New Zealand First has asked the Prime Minister for the opportunity to be involved in the selection of the Committee
Chairperson.
Ends