Hon Dr NICK SMITH (National): The first point I wish to make in debating clause 1 on this Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill is that the chair of the Māori Affairs Committee did not allow National members to propose any amendments to the committee. The select committee was told that, with the very, very short process, it was not possible for any of our amendments to be considered, and that is why National has been forced into a position of bringing its amendments to the House in the committee of the whole House stage.