MPs Come And Go

The resignation of two MPs and the swearing in of a new one took place when Parliament resumed at 2pm.

Speaker David Carter told the House he had received resignation letters from Jackie Blue (effective May 24) and Aaron Gilmore (May 27). Paul Foster-Bell was sworn in to replace Blue.

Petitions were presented asking the House to stop NZ Post reducing home deliver services, to stop CERA destroying heritage buildings and other matters; and to include a clause in the Psychoactive Substances Bill banning the use of animals in relation to tests concerning legal highs.

Select committee reports were presented on the:

Inquiry into the financial performance and current operations of the Maori Trustee for the financial year ending 31 March 2012 by the Māori Affairs Committee

Inquiry into the financial performance and current operations of the Maori Television Service for the financial year ending 30 June 2012 by the Māori Affairs Committee

State Sector and Public Finance Reform Bill by the Finance and Expenditure Committee

Financial Reporting Bill by the Commerce Committee

2011/12 financial review of the Broadcasting Commission by the Commerce Committee

A number of petitions concerning post office closures by the Commerce Committee

2011/12 financial review of the Children’s Commissioner by the Social Services Committee

Report from the Controller and Auditor-General, Central government: Result of the 2011/12 audits by the Finance and Expenditure Committee

2011/12 financial review of the Retirement Commissioner by the Social Services Committee

The following bills were introduced:

Taxation (Annual Rates, Foreign Superannuation, and Remedial Matters) Bill