Two to vote ‘no’ on Seymour bill

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Two of Gisborne’s three MPs will vote against ACT MP David Seymour’s End of Life Choice member’s bill during its second reading this month.

Labour list MP Kiri Allan is the exception, but she may not vote for the bill at its third reading — if it gets that far.

She said the issue was “particularly challenging”.

“It’s a very close line call for this vote.

‘‘It will be a yes for me for this stage to ensure that the debate is heard.

“That said, I’m very much undecided as to the third reading, wso I will be engaging closely in the debate to assist with that decision.”

National MP for East Coast and deputy speaker of the house, Anne Tolley, has been consulting with her constituents before making her decision.

“I have always promised that my conscience votes would try to reflect that of the electorate rather than my own personal views, and this time is no different,” said Mrs Tolley.

“I’ve surveyed by phone and by mail, hosted a public meeting in Gisborne, and talked with people at numerous shows and events over the past 12 months.

“The response hasn’t been huge, but divided evenly between those who support the proposed changes and those who oppose them.

“So, without a clear mandate to vote either way, I have decided to follow the normal rule around tied votes and vote for the status quo.

“I appreciate all the feedback I have received from people throughout the East Coast electorate, and value the time many gave me to discuss the issues this proposed law change raised.

“I found many people with intensely personal experiences who were willing to share them with me to illustrate their view, and others with deeply held beliefs, both for and against, who were willing to listen, question and explain to me how they felt about the changes proposed in the bill.”

Meka Whaitiri, Labour MP for Ikaroa-Rawhiti, said only that she opposed the bill.

A Stuff article from last week said Ms Whaitiri was the only MP spoken to who had definitely gone from a “yes” to a “no” .

Reporters from the website asked all 37 Labour and 21 National MPs who voted for the bill at first reading whether they would support it again at second reading.

The Bill passed its first reading 76 votes to 44.

The legislation as it stands would allow patients with either a terminal illness or grievous condition to apply for permission to die with assistance.

Mr Seymour wants to narrow the parameters of the bill to only cover those with terminal illnesses.

The second reading is expected to be held about May 22.