Labour has been accused of sexism for its failure to seriously consider Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei for a spot on a powerful intelligence committee.
During a debate in parliament on the membership of the Intelligence and Security Committee yesterday, Green MP Mojo Mathers said she was "dismayed" by comments made by Labour leader Andrew Little.
"He said that he did not invite our co-leader Metiria Turei to be on the committee because he wanted someone with ... 'skills, understanding and experience' ... implying that Metiria did not have these qualities, which is so far from the truth as to be farcical."
Mr Little angered the Greens by nominating his foreign affairs spokesman David Shearer for the committee without consultation with other parties -- a breach of the laws governing the committee.
Ms Mathers said it was hard to escape the feeling that "male privilege" played a role in Mr Little's dismissal of Ms Turei.
Labour deputy leader Annette King said it was about the "most competent person for the job", not gender.
- Isaac Davison of the New Zealand Herald
