Goudie Sandra: Valedictory Statements 
Goudie Sandra: Valedictory Statements 
[Volume:676;Page:21746] 
SANDRA GOUDIE (National—Coromandel) 
: 
 It is nice to see that we are running a bit ahead of time. I am sure that there will be some considerable time taken with the valedictories. 
Being a member of Parliament is a rare privilege and I am deeply honoured to have had that privilege and been able to represent the people of the Coromandel and elsewhere. I am proud to have achieved the goals I set myself which were to win back the Coromandel for National; to increase the majority in the Coromandel; to ensure that the people have had the help support and representation they need and which they had not had for a long time; and to advocate on some key issues within the caucus. I am pleased and proud to say that I achieved each of those goals. 
Firstly with the help of many others we won back the Coromandel for National and over the last 9 years have developed a healthy majority being the 10th highest electorate majority in New Zealand. Secondly and more important people have had the help and support of me and a hard-working electorate office so much so that regardless of ethnicity or voting preference people know that they can come to me for assistance and that we always do what we can. Lastly but by no means least I am sure that my colleagues can all rightfully say that I did not hold back when making my views known. I will always be a champion for the agricultural sector but no one could do it better than my excellent colleague Shane Ardern with his trip up the parliamentary steps in Myrtle. Fantastic! It was a good one. 
At the 2002 election I was the only one to win back a seat for National and I entered Parliament alongside Prime Minister John Key the Hon Judith Collins Don Brash and Brian Connell. I did enjoy Opposition—there is no doubt about that—but could not begin to imagine how New Zealand would survive without a National Government led by Prime Minister John Key. He is an extraordinary man with a great sense of humour and depth of intelligence and he provides unparalleled leadership the likes of which are rare. John is surrounded by an outstanding group of Ministers and backbenchers whose depth of talent and capability ensures continuity for a sound Government well into the future. 
Equally exceptional is Judith Collins. My special thanks go to Judith for her friendship and support which have been invaluable. I have always appreciated and admired her leadership and her ability to deal with any situation with such remarkable clarity. Judith famously stated in this House that “all work is honourable” and that set a whole new benchmark for the Opposition. 
I acknowledge the huge sacrifice that every member of Parliament makes to be here—in particular the burden now carried by Gerry Brownlee as he manages the herculean task of restoring Christchurch. We are mindful of the added personal sacrifice Gerry is making and proud of the work that he is doing. 
As someone who believes deeply in individual responsibility hard work honesty and integrity National was always the natural choice for me. I began life with two hard-working parents who started married life in poor and humble beginnings. They managed what little money they had and did all they could to ensure that their five children had a roof over their heads sufficient clothing and good food. Dad always had a garden and still does to this day. They did not smoke they had the occasional beer or wine and they did not have pets as that would mean another mouth to feed. Our lives were rich with love laughter energy and games. 
Like my parents and most of us here I began my independent adult life from scratch. I am like the many people I have been elected to represent in the Coromandel and see no reason why anyone else cannot do the same. People need to do only two things: work hard and take responsibility for themselves and their own decisions. I have little sympathy for whingers bludgers and people who hold out their hand with the expectation of getting something for nothing. I am appalled by the ignorance of those who expect either local government or central government to fund all manner of items on their wish list with no understanding of how that wish list is funded. 
Mr Speaker you have said that what is most important is what one learns and I thank you for your considered guidance and leadership. In answering your question Mr Speaker I have learnt heaps and in this instance particularly discretion is as they say the better part of valour. 
I will just touch on some of the highlights such as Judith Collins consistently wiping the floor with the Opposition and Gerry’s humour ably supported by Paula and Chester and my back-row buddies Maurice and Simon Power. Paula’s gift of an orange scarf with black leopard print is a standout in my wardrobe—all that is lacking is the shoes. Being invited by Chris Finlayson to work on legislation in which I have a particular interest was a real bonus. Time spent enjoying the company of “Blondie” also known as Katherine Rich was also a highlight. I am sure that the purple cardy has worked wonders and continues to do so. Other highlights are holding portfolios in Opposition—mangroves and the Kopu Bridge to name but a few. 
I have loved my time representing the Coromandel and its people the many functions and events and the thousands of miles travelled in my faithful purple Ford Falcon V8 affectionately dubbed “The Falcoon”. No other car could parallel a cruise in my “Falcoon” particularly with me driving. My deepest thanks go to the people of the Coromandel for their generosity of spirit and support and for making the Coromandel a wonderful diverse place to be. 
To my family I say that I could not have done this job without your love and support. I am looking forward to finally not feeling like a displaced person and to being at home. To Barry Coleman and Marco Marinkovich I say thank you very much for being there for me. To my friends electorate committees and volunteers I say thank you for all your efforts and support. They will never be forgotten. Having a good team of people around you who are equally passionate about the work involved is essential. I say thank you to all those who generally assisted with hoarding sites billboards and scrutineering. To Ken Brokenshire I say keep up the good work. To Bob Clarkson I say that your work on housing and leaky homes was not in vain. My very special thanks go to my electorate and parliamentary staff for the last 9 years particularly to Cherie and Justin and a big hi to Cherhys. 
My sincere thanks go to parliamentary staff at all levels for their hard work and my condolences on the recent loss of two much-loved colleagues; I know they will be missed. I fully appreciate that this working environment is unique and not always easy with so many demanding personalities. Parliamentary staff do a great job. I leave Kevin and Craig the big clock. If any of them are in the Coromandel they should come to visit—that is a sincere offer. 
To the National Party board members for the last 9 years I say thank you. We are fortunate to have had—and we continue to have—an excellent board. My special thanks go to Michelle Boag and Judy Kirk who were there at the beginning of my foray into national politics. I have met many wonderful people involved in National over the years and you could not meet a better bunch. I do hope that they call in for a cuppa if they are in the Coromandel. I shall have the privilege of being at home to make it. 
Finally to my National Party colleagues I say that I feel equally honoured and privileged to have worked with you all. You are an awesome group of people. I leave knowing that this wonderful country of New Zealand is in great hands and will be for as long as National holds office.