Page:New Zealand House of Representatives Hansard 2020-11-26.pdf/5

26 Nov 2020

The Speaker took the Chair at 10.30 a.m.

Karakia.

SPEAKER: I have to report that, accompanied by members, I waited upon Her Excellency the Governor-General at Government House yesterday, when I addressed Her Excellency as follows:

"Following Your Excellency’s request, the House of Representatives has elected me as Speaker and I now present myself for Your Excellency’s confirmation."

Her Excellency replied as follows:

"Mr Speaker, it is with much pleasure that I confirm the choice by the House of Representatives of you as its Speaker.

I congratulate you on your election to this distinguished office, marking as it does the appreciation of the House of Representatives of your impartiality and ability."

I then replied to Her Excellency as follows:

"I thank Your Excellency for your confirmation of the choice made by the House of Representatives of me to be its Speaker.

I now, on behalf of the House, lay claim to all its privileges, and especially to freedom of speech in debate, to free access to Your Excellency whenever occasion may require it, and to the most favourable construction being put on all its proceedings."

Her Excellency replied as follows:

"Mr Speaker, I confirm all the rights and privileges of the House of Representatives which have ever been granted. I assure you that the House of Representatives shall always have ready access to me, and that I will at all times place the most favourable construction upon its proceedings."

SPEAKER: I have also received the following authorisation from Her Excellency the Governor-General to administer the oath or affirmation prescribed by law to be taken or made by members of the House:

"In accordance with section 11 of the Constitution Act 1986, I, The Right Honourable Dame Patsy Reddy, Governor-General of New Zealand, authorise you,

The Right Honourable Trevor Colin Mallard

Speaker of the House of Representatives

to administer to members of Parliament the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to Her Majesty The Queen required to be taken or made by every such member before that member shall be permitted to sit or vote in the House of Representatives.

Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister.

Authorised by Patsy Reddy, Governor-General

25 November 2020"

SPEAKER: I now call on the senior Māori member to deliver a mihi.

Hon KELVIN DAVIS (Minister for Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti): Tēnei te nihinihi, tēnei te tupua, tau rori ana ki te whare o Uenuku, e here ki reira te ihi, te wehi, te mana, te tapu. Ko te kī kei runga taupokongia atu ki te pū, ki te wānanga, ki a tātou e