Henare off the hook after severe reprimand for leak

National's Tau Henare has escaped being sent to the powerful privileges committee for leaking a draft select committee report.

The matter has renewed calls for Parliament's rules in regard to select committee confidentiality - seen by some as overly restrictive and which rarely result in punishment beyond a reprimand - to be reviewed.

Speaker Margaret Wilson has decided against taking further action on a complaint laid by Maori Affairs select committee chairman Dave Hereora - in his personal capacity, as he could not get the committee's support.

Labour does not have a majority on the committee, which instead directed him to issue a severe reprimand, Mr Hereora said.

If upheld a breach of privilege could result in a range of punishments, including being censured, suspended or even expelled.

Deputy chairman Pita Sharples said most MPs felt the reprimand was enough.

"Dave wanted to take it the whole hog, but it's hard to do as a Maori because as soon as we all got in one room it's 'let it go, ay?' It was enough he took a slap on the hand."

Asked if Mr Henare, who Mr Hereora has earlier pointed out was a former minister who should know the rules, was contrite, Dr Sharples said: "I didn't see any tears, but for once he didn't laugh."

Mr Henare said he leaked the draft report on Te Puni Kokiri because it was critical and he feared it would be weakened in the final version.

"It wasn't as watered down as I thought it would be. I totally apologise to the committee.

Asked if the reprimand was severe and he had given a guarantee he wouldn't breach the rules again he said: "I was gutted. It was true there were no tears, but the tears were on the inside. I said I would learn from my mistakes and hopefully things would be different."

Mr Hereora said Ms Wilson had accepted the committee's view.

"I'm quite happy that having tried to take it further the point has been rammed home."

Mr Henare believed the rules should be changed.

"The whole select committee process should be open to the public. I just can't understand why we secrete ourselves away."

Labour whip Tim Barnett could only remember a couple of instances where MPs have received more than a telling-off for breaching privilege.

Often the matter was dealt with internally by the committee.

"There's the on-going debate about at what points documents are public and when they're not at select committees."

Mr Barnett said he thought the standing orders committee should look at the issue.