Live politics blog Dec 4
Watch: Paul Goldsmith denies sleeping during Speech from the Throne
Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith closed his eyes and lowered his head, as Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro discussed the Government's policy on Te Tiriti.
Goldsmith denies he nodded off during the speech.
"I think most people would accept that ministers have been working very hard and would be tired, but no, I enjoyed every word," Goldsmith told Stuff after the speech.
The Parliament TV cameras cut to Goldsmith, as Treaty minister, as Kiro discussed his ministry.
With the camera focused on him, Goldsmith keeps his chin down and looks very still - eyes potentially closed.
For viewers, it looked like Goldsmith may have nodded off. He was, at least, resting his eyes.
But Goldsmith said he was in deep concentration, not resting.
"I was looking down and concentrating hard. There are nods, yes, but that was probably approval," he said.
Goldsmith denies he nodded off during the speech.
"I think most people would accept that ministers have been working very hard and would be tired, but no, I enjoyed every word," Goldsmith told Stuff after the speech.
The Parliament TV cameras cut to Goldsmith, as Treaty minister, as Kiro discussed his ministry.
With the camera focused on him, Goldsmith keeps his chin down and looks very still - eyes potentially closed.
For viewers, it looked like Goldsmith may have nodded off. He was, at least, resting his eyes.
But Goldsmith said he was in deep concentration, not resting.
"I was looking down and concentrating hard. There are nods, yes, but that was probably approval," he said.