15 Jul 2011

Harawira being paid despite ejection from House

11:50 am on 15 July 2011

Mana Party leader Hone Harawira will still be paid as a Member of Parliament despite failing to be sworn-in on Thursday.

The Speaker of the House refused to swear-in Mr Harawira because he did not follow the rules.

Mr Harawira was kicked out of Parliament because he acknowledged the Treaty of Waitangi and the people of Te Tai Tokerau electorate during his affirmation.

Mr Harawira, like all MPs, is paid from the day he is elected, not from the day he is sworn in. He says money is not a factor.

He will now be sworn-in when Parliament resumes sitting on 2 August and says he will follow the rules.