... to Hopoati???

MP denies giving Hunt the finger


Source: NZPA

By: Audrey Young

Independent MP Donna Awatere Huata appeared to give Speaker Jonathan Hunt a one-fingered salute yesterday after being refused a request for a snap debate but she says it may have been the result of her flailing her arms.

The Speaker had just turned down her request for a snap debate when two members of the Press Gallery believe they saw her respond with a gesture with her right arm, down the side of her chair at the back of the chamber.

Later she told the Herald she was "not brave enough to make an openly offensive gesture to the Speaker".

"I do flail my hands about when I get upset and so it could have been that I inadvertently made a gesture that could have been interpreted as something like that but it certainly wasn't meant to be.

"I hold the Speaker in the highest regard and I'd be mortified if I did anything to him."

She said she had written to the Speaker apologising "for making gestures that could have been interpreted as being one meaning to give offence and letting him know there was no intention on my part".

Mr Hunt said that he had not seen anything but if he did see a member gesturing like that they would be made to withdraw, apologise and to leave the chamber.

She had requested a snap debate on standards being applied within the National Certificate in Educational Achievement, in the wake of stories on Cambridge High School.

Speaking of Hopoate

Hopoate's�career bottoms�out


Source: www.rugbyleague.co.nz

Rugby League's John Hopoate has copped a ban totalling nine matches, after being fighting and making derogatory comments16 June 2004

Another lengthy suspension for rugby league bad-boy John Hopoate.

The Manly winger has copped an eight-match ban, for making derogatory and threatening remarks to match officials at the weekend.

The judiciary has also thrown in a ninth match for good measure, after finding Hopoate guilty of contrary conduct for fighting with Parramatta forward Craig Stapleton.

Stapleton has escaped punishment for his part in the dust-up.

The ban effectively puts Hopoate on the NRL's death row, with his contract up at the end of the season.

His career suspensions now total 28 weeks, and it is unlikely Manly will offer him a new deal.