The Speaker of Parliament says he will ask the Law Commission to consider tightening the rules around MPs' absences from Parliament.
Lockwood Smith says the Speaker becomes involved only after an MP has been absent for 14 sitting days and can then chose to dock their pay.
Dr Smith called a news conference on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the cicumstances of Te Atatu MP Chris Carter, who has advised him that he is unwell and is taking about two months' leave.
In the Labour MP's case, that means he can stay away until 16 September without any sanction.
Dr Smith says at that point, he would require some evidence to justify further leave.
The Speaker says the sanctions available to him if an MP stays away from Parliament long term without good reason are far too weak.
Labour's New Zealand council was to consider Mr Carter's future at a meeting on Saturday after he attacked Phil Goff's leadership last week.
