﻿Mr SPEAKER: The House comes to Oral Questions. Question No 1, Ron Mark.
RON MARK (Deputy Leader—NZ First) to the PM: Does he stand by
all his statements on the flag referenda?
Hon BILL ENGLISH (Acting PM): Yes.
Ron Mark: How does the PM reconcile his words
“we will take a disciplined approach to Government spending.
"You work too hard for us to waste your money.”
when two-thirds of UMR Research respondents agreed
that the $26 million flag referendum
has been a distraction and a waste of money?
Hon BILL ENGLISH: They have the opportunity to express that
or any other view through the referendum itself,
but I might point out to the member that the bulk
of the spending is actually on postage. The postage system
is run by NZ Post, which is owned by the Government,
so a fair bit of the money comes back.
[MEMBERS LAUGH]
Mr SPEAKER: Order! [Interruption] Order!
Ron Mark: Why do he and the committee putting out
the propaganda on his black and blue logo call it
a silver fern when even a colour-blind person can tell
it is not a silver fern?
In fact, it looks more like a feather—a white one.
Hon BILL ENGLISH: Again, whatever the member’s opinion—
or anyone’s opinion— about the fern, this is,
despite NZ First’s opposition, a thoroughly democratic process.
That is, every eligible NZer will have the chance to vote
on the flag and, from what we can see, there is growing
public interest in that vote. [Interruption]
Mr SPEAKER: Order! Both sides need to settle, just a little.
Ron Mark: When he said “It’s no secret that
"I’m a supporter of changing the NZ flag.”,
did he mean the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria option;
the blue, red, and white option; the black and blue option;
or the pale blue option, which flew unnoticed for 13 days
on the Auckland harbour bridge? Which option, PM?
Hon BILL ENGLISH: I certainly agree with the statement.
It is no secret that he is proposing change
and that he favours the flag that is on the ballot.
[MEMBERS SHOUT]
Mr SPEAKER: Order!
Ron Mark: What does he say to former National Party supporters
who have come over to NZ First because—
Hon Members: Oh!
Ron Mark: We signed up some yesterday. [Interruption]
Mr SPEAKER: Order! [Interruption] Order! My patience will run out
relatively quickly when I stand to my feet and call for order
and interjections continue. If that happens again,
then the person who does interject will leave me no choice
but to ask them to leave.
The question now will be heard again, and in silence.
Ron Mark: What does he say to former National Party supporters
who have come over to NZ First because we stand up
for the values his party has abandoned, just like our flag?
Hon BILL ENGLISH: I would say to them that the PM will be
at the front door to welcome both of them back.
[MEMBERS LAUGH]
Mr SPEAKER: Question No 2.
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