Politicians act like 'spoiled brats' after tribute

Winston Peters. Photo / File / Doug Sherring

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has been ejected from parliament during a heated exchange which saw Speaker Lockwood Smith accuse politicians of acting like "spoiled brats".

Mr Peters was ordered to leave the house soon after parliament paid tribute to the three soldiers killed in Afghanistan on Sunday.

He repeatedly used points of order to criticise Prime Minister John Key's answers on whether he had confidence in Land Information Minister Maurice Williamson.

Mr Smith said Mr Peters was incorrectly "litigating" using points of order.

"This is parliament and we've just had a serious debate about New Zealanders losing their lives overseas and we carry on like spoiled brats."

When Mr Peters kept interjecting, he was ordered to leave the house.

Earlier, Mr Key and Labour leader David Shearer paid tribute to Corporal Luke Douglas Tamatea, 31, Lance Corporal Jacinda Baker, 26, and Private Richard Lee Harris, 21.

Mr Key said he was committed to bringing New Zealand troops home early next year.

Mr Shearer said the loss of the three soldiers was "not right or fair".

He said the international community would not forget the contribution New Zealand had made in Afghanistan.

- Herald Online