Subj : Green MP Julie Anne Genter apologises after confrontation in Parliamen
To   : All
From : News
Date : Thu May 02 2024 12:56 pm

Julie Anne Genter has been accused of "intimidating" behaviour after a
disagreement saw the Green MP leave her seat to confront a Government
minister during a transport debate at Parliament on Wednesday night.


Her own party issued a statement this morning, calling her actions "clearly
unacceptable".


During the incident, Genter could be seen making her way toward the desk of
Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey. The Green MP can be heard saying,
"read the report. read the report", as she approaches Doocey and then
seemingly stands over him.


She can also be seen picking up a document and smacking it back down again on
the minister's desk, as other MPs looked on in shock.


Genter was then interrupted by deputy speaker and National MP Barbara Kuriger.


Kuriger can be heard saying "wow", as Genter can be heard saying, "what is
wrong with you?" to Doocey.


Kuriger then said "Ms Genter, please resume your seat" on at least two
separate occasions.


The incident occurred during a general debate on the annual review of the
Transport portfolio late last night.


The outburst interrupted a speech by Labour MP Rachel Boyak and left the
deputy speaker calling for order in the House.


"We're going to have some order. We know that transport is one of those
touchy subjects," Kuriger said.

"But if we want to get the best out of the minister, interjection is fine but
it would be good if we could just ask the questions and let the minister
answer them and have as fewer interjections rather than shouting matches.


"It's not appropriate to get out of one's seat to go and have an argument
with somebody on the other side."


Parliament's Speaker Gerry Brownlee had been recalled to consider the matter
after a motion was put forward by National MP Scott Simpson.


Labour is said not to have objected.


Genter later rose to apologise.


"It was the last thing I wanted to do, to intimidate anyone in this House,"
she said.


"What has absolutely motivated me is a desire to share information that I
believe would be of benefit to everyone in this House, and I'm very sorry if
in my passion to do so I was intimidating. That was not my intention."

Greens 'clearly unacceptable'
On Thursday morning, a Green Party spokesperson said: "Julie Anne Genter's
actions were clearly unacceptable and do not meet the standards of what we
expect of Green Party MPs.


"The co-leaders have talked to Julie Anne and made clear their expectations.
Julie Anne has apologised to the Speaker and to the House."

1News understands a complaint to Parliament's Privileges Committee was being
considered.


National MP Tim van der Molen was referred to the committee last year after
he was accused of threatening behaviour towards Labour MP Shanan Halbert.

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