Hunt's Backdown Sets Dangerous Precedent
Wednesday 7 Aug 2002
Ken Shirley, acting Leader of ACT New Zealand, today told Jonathan Hunt that allowing Ngai Tamanuhiri protesters to
camp within Parliament grounds had undermined Mr Hunt's authority and created a dangerous precedent.
"Because of the election, parliament is actually without a Speaker, and Mr Hunt is serving in a caretaker position. I
am worried that he has undermined his own authority - and that of parliament. I am far more concerned however that he
has set a very dangerous precedent.
"I want to know why Mr Hunt backed down from his insistence that the protester's tent be dismantled yesterday
afternoon.
"It is clear that a game of brinkmanship was played, and the unfortunate outcome is that every band of extremists and
protesters now have a realistic expectation that they can move into parliament until their demands are met.
"Mr Hunt's backdown creates an impression that parliament will bend to blackmail and intimidation, and that is very
unfortunate," Mr Shirley said.
ENDS
Attached: Letter to Jonathan Hunt
7 August 2002
Rt Hon Jonathan Hunt, MP
Speakers Office
Parliament Buildings
Dear Mr Hunt
This morning I visited the Ngai Tamanuhiri protesters camped in Parliament grounds and had discussions with their
representatives.
I am concerned to learn that apparently you issued them with an ultimatum yesterday to remove their tent by 6 pm last
evening.
I also understand that you issued a dispensation for the tent to be erected in Parliament grounds in the first instance
on condition that it was dismantled at days end.
I now understand that you backed down from that understanding. It is clear that a game of brinkmanship is being played
here and I am concerned that your actions undermine your authority and create an unfortunate precedent. Technically
Parliament does not have a Speaker at this time although under the Parliamentary Services Act, issues associated with
trespass on the precincts of Parliament are the responsibility of the person who was the Speaker at the close of polling
at the General Election.
I note that the protesters tent has now been removed. Could you please advise why you retracted from your initial
ultimatum to the protesters and I would appreciate receiving your views on the precedent that has been created by this
retraction.
Yours sincerely
Ken Shirley
Acting Leader
ACT New Zealand