Ardern Jacinda: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeArdern Jacinda: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 10 September 2015. Volume:708;Page:6531. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]7.JACINDA ARDERN (Labour) to the Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage: Was she as Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage consulted during the flag design process and is she satisfied with the outcome as one of the responsible Ministers?Hon NICKY WAGNER (Minister of Customs)on behalf of theMinister for Arts Culture and Heritage: No the Minister was not consulted during the flag design process which was deliberately kept at arm’s length from Ministers to ensure its independence. The Flag Consideration Panel was established to conduct an independent process to engage with New Zealanders about alternative flag designs and to choose four to appear on the ballot paper for the first referendum. Yes the Minister is satisfied with the outcome. The Flag Consideration Panel has undertaken its work conscientiously and chosen what it considers the four best alternative flag designs.Jacinda Ardern: Did she as Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage recommend any designers or artists for the Flag Consideration Panel; if so whom?Hon NICKY WAGNER: No. The Flag Consideration Panel included New Zealanders with a variety of backgrounds and areas of expertise and they took advice from designers.Jacinda Ardern: Did she recommend anyone for the Flag Selection Advisory Group a group that included the creative director from Nike; if so whom?Hon NICKY WAGNER: As I am not the Minister concerned I am unable to answer that question.Jacinda Ardern: What is her response to those who have called for the Red Peak option to be included in the referendum?Hon NICKY WAGNER: On behalf of the Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage—[Interruption]Mr SPEAKER: There is a fair bit of noise coming from many parts of the House. Could the Minister start her answer again.Hon NICKY WAGNER: There has been a robust process involving public input and I am satisfied with the outcome. Red Peak was considered by the panel along with a number of other designs and the panel made its decision on the final shortlist. I am interested to see that the UMR Research poll of 1000 New Zealanders ranked the Red Peak flag 37th out of 40—nearly the worst.Jacinda Ardern: As the Minister who has apparently taken an objective view and in light of her role as Minister responsible for World War I commemorations did she—Hon Gerry Brownlee: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. The shadow Leader of the House has been very assiduous in the last couple of days in making sure that you considered answers to questions. That was completely out of order as a question. It does not meet any of the tests of the Standing Orders. It could easily be brought into line without the extra bits that were thrown into the middle.Mr SPEAKER: On this occasion the Minister the Hon Gerry Brownlee is absolutely right. Can I ask the member to rephrase her question consistent with the Standing Orders without the lead-in which is causing some disruption.Chris Hipkins: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker—Mr SPEAKER: I hope the member is not in any way questioning where we have just got to.Chris Hipkins: No I am not questioning that particular ruling. I am simply asking for consistency. You will note that Andrew Bayly in his question today began with a preamble for a Government patsy question. The same ruling must apply to all sides of the House.Mr SPEAKER: Order! There are many questions that if I ruled absolutely strictly on according to Standing Order 380 would not be acceptable in this House. I am relatively lenient but when I get one like I have just had which has clearly created some disorder then I am required to rule. I will appear to be consistent as well but if members consistently want me to toughen up and take out all qualifications on supplementary questions I am happy to do so. But I suspect that about 80 percent of the supplementary questions asked so far would have been ruled out of order. So if that is the wish of Mr Hipkins I ask him to consider it carefully. But if it is his wish I am happy to comply.Jacinda Ardern: Did she consult with the RSA as the Minister responsible for World War I commemorations or indeed anyone else before she adopted a position in support of the Lockwood option which she has been wearing as a badge since Monday and is hanging in the front of her electorate office? [Interruption]Mr SPEAKER: Order! [Interruption] Order! If members on my right-hand side want to catch an early flight I can assist. The question has been asked; the question is in order.Hon NICKY WAGNER: I am not the Minister concerned so I am unable to answer that question directly but I am very pleased to see that the Labour Party is taking an interest in the referendum and I hope it will support the right of every New Zealander to have an opinion.David Seymour: Is the Minister concerned that colour-blind voters will effectively have only three options to vote for with the current line-up?Hon NICKY WAGNER: No.