Quote Originally Posted by causecelebre View Post
Yet the tax payer is still funding her pay while being suspended. Its now around 8 weeks and nothing but tumble weeds. Outrageous. Are they hoping we will forget?
Yes, I understand the outrage. But important that Darleen is treated the same as any other MP would be if under investigation.

The pressure is on The Greens to be mindful of Darleen still being paid to wrap up the investigation, while still ensuring the process is fair.

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In New Zealand, if a Member of Parliament (MP) is suspended pending an investigation, the situation is handled differently compared to typical employment situations. Here’s a detailed look at what happens:


1. **Parliamentary Privileges and Responsibilities**: MPs are elected officials, and their terms and conditions of service are governed by the rules of Parliament and the laws of New Zealand, rather than by standard employment contracts.


2. **Types of Suspensions**:
- **Parliamentary Suspension**: If an MP is suspended from the House of Representatives due to misconduct or breaches of parliamentary rules (such as disorderly conduct during a session), this suspension is generally procedural and temporary. It is not typically associated with pay reduction, as MPs continue to receive their salaries during such suspensions.
- **Party Suspension**: An MP might be suspended from their party's caucus or roles within the party. This could mean loss of specific party duties or roles but not necessarily loss of salary unless the party decides otherwise.


3. **Investigations and Legal Proceedings**: If an MP is under investigation for legal or ethical issues:
- **Criminal Investigation**: If the investigation is related to criminal activities, the MP may face legal consequences based on the outcome. However, they would typically continue to receive their salary unless they are convicted and sentenced to imprisonment, at which point they would lose their seat in Parliament.
- **Ethical or Parliamentary Conduct**: If the investigation pertains to breaches of ethical standards or parliamentary conduct, the relevant parliamentary committee (such as the Privileges Committee) would handle it. The committee may recommend sanctions, which could include suspension. Again, this usually does not affect the MP’s salary unless specified by a resolution of Parliament.


4. **Salary and Allowances**: MPs in New Zealand are paid a salary and allowances as determined by the Remuneration Authority. There are no specific provisions for stopping an MP’s salary during investigations unless explicitly decided by parliamentary resolution or legal outcomes.


5. **Public Accountability**: MPs are accountable to the public and their constituents. If serious allegations are made, there may be pressure for the MP to step down or take leave, but this is a political decision rather than a formal employment suspension.


In summary, an MP in New Zealand generally continues to receive their salary during suspensions related to parliamentary conduct or investigations unless there is a specific parliamentary resolution or legal conviction that dictates otherwise. For precise information, consulting parliamentary rules, the Speaker’s office, or the Remuneration Authority would provide further clarification.