Hughes Darren: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Hughes Darren: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:618;Page:13708] 
2.  
DARREN HUGHES (Labour—Otaki) 
 to the  
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade 
: Has he received any reports suggesting that decisions on New Zealand’s nuclear-free status should be determined by other nations rather than by ourselves? 
Hon PHIL GOFF (Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade) 
: 
 Yes. I have a report in front of me that shows that on TV3 last night this statement was made: “If we put a proposal to the Americans which they find acceptable—and that of course would be after we became Government—we would then seek a referendum for any change in the law.” That statement was made by Don Brash who clearly believes that New Zealand should abandon its sovereignty and independence to make its own decisions and give that over to another country. 
Darren Hughes 
: Is that an isolated report or has the Minister received other reports of this nature? 
Hon PHIL GOFF 
: Yes I have received two other reports of a similar nature. One of them states: “Without reservation we will support our close allies Australia the United States and Britain when and wheresoever our commitment is called upon.” That abandonment of our making our own decisions according to our values and judgment was made by Simon Power the National Party spokesperson on defence. I have another report— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: No the Minister has given enough. 
Hon Trevor Mallard 
: Does the Minister have any further reports on this matter? 
Hon PHIL GOFF 
: That is a very intuitive question! I have a report stating: “We will opt out of the Kyoto agreement at the first chance if countries like the US and Australia don’t sign up.” That abandonment of judgment and sovereignty was made by Nick Smith abandoning the longstanding role—even under a National Party Government—that this country has had in leading the Pacific nations against global warming. 
Hon Dr Nick Smith 
: The Minister grossly misquotes my statement. I seek leave of the House to table the statement that was made so that the House may have the true correct— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Is it a statement made by the member concerned? 
Hon Dr Nick Smith 
: It is a newspaper report on statements made about the Kyoto Protocol. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Is it a statement made by the member himself? 
Hon Dr Nick Smith 
: It is a newspaper report— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table that statement. Is there any objection? There is. 
Hon PHIL GOFF 
: I seek leave of the House to table a statement made in the  
Nelson Mail  
on 13 May 2004 in an article headed: “Smith vows changes to RMA Kyoto exit” 
. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House. 
Hon Dr Nick Smith 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I sought leave to table a document but that was objected to by the Government. Suddenly the exact same motion is put to the House by Mr Goff and the Government now wants to table the very same document. I am very happy to have it tabled but there is a Standing Order that says the same motion cannot be put to the House twice. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The member is wrong about that. He does not know the Standing Orders. The first point I would make is that I have quite frequently been confronted by situations in this House that are not strictly logical. 
Jeanette Fitzsimons 
: Has the Minister had any reports that the complacent approach to the dangers of nuclear power expressed by some parties may be influenced by what might be called the “Homer Simpson” approach to nuclear safety? 
Hon PHIL GOFF 
: Comparing Homer Simpson to the National Party is grossly unfair on Homer Simpson.