February 15, 2023
Virtual parliament no go for National
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa Packer has blasted the National Party for opposing a virtual Parliament.
Flooded roads and cancelled flights meant almost half the MPs, including Prime Minsiter Chris Hipkins, weren’t in Wellington yestersay for what was supposed to be the first sitting of the year.
Leader of the House Grant Robinson moved the sitting be adjourned until next Tuesday so MPcs can focus on helping their communities.
Ms Ngarewa Packer says she had sought a session where members could zoom in, but National blocked the idea.
“We all knew (the weather) was going to get worse, so we’re really disappointed that we’ve been dragged away from our communties and virtual options should be easily done. We can look after our communities and participate and lead in democracy. It’s a no brainer,” she says.