National MP Simon Bridges stalled Parliament for a second day in a row to make a point, after the eligibility of Poto Williams becoming a presiding officer was called into question.
After yesterday having the numbers to block Speaker Trevor Mallard's appointment, today's stoush started when Leader of the house Chris Hipkins moved that Labour MP Poto Williams should be Assistant Speaker of the House.
Trevor Mallard eventually got the nod after Labour needed National's support to get him elected. (Source: Other)
Mr Bridges had a point of order to highlight the rule that a member that does not take the oath of affirmation is not able to sit or vote in the House.
He said calling the Government out just before the vote on the Speaker showed they were "really unhappy". (Source: Other)
"And secondly... Standing order 16, a member's absence has to be for extraordinary circumstances beyond his or her control.
"I'm really seeking your guidance on validly, having not been sworn in or affirmed, being unable to vote, or unable to sit in the House, can one become a presiding officer," he asked.
New Speaker Mr Mallard, on his first day in the job, responded that Ms Williams was absent on Parliament business and was eligible to be elected.
As Mr Bridges continued to push his case, Mr Mallard interrupted saying: "I have ruled, the Member will takes his seat".
"Poto Williams is a Member of Parliament, and she is eligible for election. I am absolutely confident of the decision."
But that aw Gerry Brownlee then jump in, asking for further clarification.
The motion of Ms Williams as Assistant Speaker was then agreed to by the House, after it was moved to have National’s Anne Tolley as Deputy Speaker.
He said calling the Government out just before the vote on the Speaker showed they were "really unhappy". (Source: Other)
Mr Bridges' point of order came just a day after the Tauranga MP pulled a shock move by threatening to force a vote on the Speaker of the House .
National used it as a bargaining chip to secure more seats on select committees, after the previous government and then-opposition unanimously agreed to reduce numbers down to 96.
He said New Zealanders expect them to govern, not play silly parla-games. (Source: Other)
Although Leader of the House Chris Hipkins said they were "caught slightly by surprise" at the move, he said they knew they had the numbers but didn't want Parliament to get off on the wrong foot.
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