Source: Radio New Zealand
Peeni Henare calls for politicians to “work to devolve power to communities and families”. (File image) VNP / Phil Smith
Outgoing Labour MP Peeni Henare has farewelled Parliament, telling MPs they needed to move away from “gotcha style politics” in his valedictory speech, saying they had a “role and responsibility” to rebuild trust in the institution of politics.
“I have seen this place work hard for the benefit of this country,” he told the House.
“I see it as a true mechanism of change, and we must protect it as a bastion of representative democracy when the world is turning against it.
“I am not surprised to see, however, the waning of trust and belief in this institution. We have a role and a responsibility each and every one of us to rebuild that trust.”
He also called for politicians to “work to devolve power to communities and families”.
Henare’s shock resignation was announced at Waitangi, after he confirmed he wasn’t contesting the Tāmaki Makaurau seat.
Following a messy media standup with Labour leader Chris Hipkins, Henare announced he was calling time on his 12-year Parliamentary career, citing exhaustion and a desire to spend more time focusing on his family and future.
Henare began his valedictory by speaking at length about all the staff who had worked with him.
“Mr. Speaker, in my 12 years here in Parliament, I have been truly blessed to have been served by so many amazing people.
“So with your indulgence, I would like to acknowledge them, for without them, my time here would have been very different, and I suspect, very difficult.”
The public gallery was filled with rangatira from Ngāpuhi, such as Waihoroi Shortland, Pita Tipene and Julian Wilcox, along with Henare’s family and his pick for who should replace him as the Labour candidate for Tāmaki Makaurau, Nathaniel Howe.
He acknowledged his son and daughters, and teared up while acknowledging his partner.
“Taku taringi [my darling], for too long, my dreams have been your dreams. It is now time for your dreams to be our dreams.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
