NEW ZEALAND
countries for saving.” Mr Shaw accused the government of having “no plan” and of “being completely unaccountable in passing this legislation.” Speaking to the immediate axing of the NZ$1,000 payment, Mr Fletcher Tabuteau MP (New Zealand First) said: “There was no warning. There is no fairness.”
Speaking to the Telecommunications
(Development Levy) Amendment Bill, Minister for Communications, Hon. Amy Adams MP (National) explained that the legislation “highlights the government’s commitment to extending enhanced connectivity to regional New Zealand.” She refuted suggestions by Opposition MPs that the levy is, for all intents and purposes, a new tax. She concluded her address: “The Bill is about letting us get on with making funding available for communities to improve their connectivity.”
Ms Clare Curran MP (Labour) questioned the way that the previous funding has been used. “Labour believes that there should be an inquiry into the Rural Broadband Initiative” she told the House.
Ms Tracey Martin MP (Deputy Leader, New Zealand First) agreed: “It would be a good idea for the Commerce Commission to do an inquiry or a review of the NZ$300 million spend.” However, Ms Melissa Lee MP (National) disagreed, saying Labour “is the only party in this Parliament that is opposing this Bill… We cannot wait for an inquiry.” Four pieces of Budget legislation passed all stages on 21 May, in a sitting that lasted over thirty hours. Mr Andrew Little’s amendment failed to pass by 63 votes to 58.
Retirement of Mary Harris, Clerk of the House of Representatives Ms Mary Harris QSO retired on 3 July 2015 after a 28 year career at Parliament, the last 7 years of which were as Clerk of the House of Representatives.
On 1 July, the Prime Minister, Rt Hon. John Key, MP, (National) moved a motion in the House to recognize her retirement and years of service. Members spoke about Ms Harris’ varied career, including a stint as a professional violinist and another representing New Zealand in the 1982 Cricket World Cup. Hon. Annette King MP (Labour) said that Ms Harris was a right-handed batswoman, “and that is the only time that she has shown preference between the right and the left.”
Those who spoke praised Ms Harris’ significant contributions to parliamentary reform. Metiria Turei MP (Co-Leader, Green Party)
said: “Parliament is so much more accessible to so many more people as a result of [her] work.” Changes overseen by Ms Harris include the introduction of technological improvements, such as the e-Committee software now used by select committees. She also played a key role in the introduction of simultaneous translation of Te Reo Māori in the House, which Hon. Te Ururoa Flavell MP (Co-Leader, Māori Party) acknowledged. He said that Ms Harris’ work has “enabled [him] to stand up … and to speak in the language of the parents and forefathers.”
Also lauded were Ms Harris’ calm demeanour, encyclopaedic knowledge of procedure, and the generous and professional advice she has given to all members. Hon. Peter Dunne MP (Leader, United Future) described her “extraordinary ability to assess the situation and to offer advice.” Others mentioned her legendary poker face.
Tracey Martin MP (Deputy Leader, New Zealand First) added: “…one of the things that I have discovered, or rediscovered, is that, actually, politicians come and go, but it is the public servants and people like [her] who actually hold our democracy together.” Ms Harris was New Zealand’s first female Clerk of the House and her career will be bookended by two Davids: David McGee, whom she succeeded as Clerk, and David Wilson, who will replace her. Mr Wilson’s parliamentary career started in 1994 and prior to being appointed Clerk, he served as a Clerk-Assistant responsible for the provision of secretariat services to the House. Mr Wilson is also president of the Australia and New Zealand Association of Clerks-at- the-Table.
Left: Ms Mary Harris, outgoing Clerk of the House pictured with her predecessor, David McGee, whom she succeeded as Clerk, and David Wilson, who will replace her.
217 | The Parliamentarian | 2015: Issue One The Parliamentarian | 2015: Issue Three | 217
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104