Government easily survives no confidence vote

The Government today easily overcame the traditional motion of no confidence in it, 71 votes to 49.

A long debate on the prime minister's statement ended with the no confidence vote moved by National Party leader Don Brash.

Dr Brash moved the motion on the grounds that the Government was "continuing on the dangerous road of treating people differently depending on their race".

National, New Zealand First, ACT and independent MP Donna Awatere Huata supported it.

Labour, the Green Party, United Future and the Progressive Coalition were opposed.

The Government was never in danger of losing, as United Future has assured its support on confidence votes.

- NZPA