Julie Anne Genter has been accused of "intimidating" behaviour after a disagreement saw the Green MP leave her seat to confront a Government minister during a debate at Parliament earlier tonight.
During the incident, Genter could be seen making her way toward the desk of Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey. The Green MP can be heard saying, "read the report… read the report", as she approaches Doocey and then seemingly stands over him.
She can also be seen picking up a document and smacking it back down again on the minister's desk, as other MPs looked on in shock.
Genter was then interrupted by deputy speaker and National MP Barbara Kuriger.
Kuriger can be heard saying "wow", as Genter can be heard saying, "what is wrong with you?" to Doocey.
Kuriger then said "Ms Genter, please resume your seat" on at least two separate occasions.
The incident occurred during a general debate on the annual review of the Transport portfolio late that evening.
The outburst interrupted a speech by Labour MP Rachel Boyak and left the deputy speaker calling for order in the House.
"We're going to have some order. We know that transport is one of those touchy subjects," Kuriger said.
Greens finance spokesperson Julie Ann Genter. (Source: Getty)
"But if we want to get the best out of the minister, interjection is fine but it would be good if we could just ask the questions and let the minister answer them and have as fewer interjections rather than shouting matches.
"It's not appropriate to get out of one's seat to go and have an argument with somebody on the other side."
Parliament's Speaker Gerry Brownlee had been recalled to consider the matter after a motion was put forward by National MP Scott Simpson.
Labour is said not to have objected.
Genter later rose to apologise.
"It was the last thing I wanted to do, to intimidate anyone in this House," she said.
"What has absolutely motivated me is a desire to share information that I believe would be of benefit to everyone in this House, and I'm very sorry if in my passion to do so I was intimidating. That was not my intention."
National MP to answer questions on 'threatening' behaviour
August 1, 2023
1:46
1News understand a complaint to Parliament's Privileges Committee is being considered.
National MP Tim van der Molen was referred to the committee last year after he was accused of threatening behaviour towards Labour MP Shanan Halbert.
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