Finlayson Christopher: Porirua City Council (Pauatahanui Burial Ground) Bill — Second Reading In Committee Third Reading 
Finlayson Christopher: Porirua City Council (Pauatahanui Burial Ground) Bill — Second Reading In Committee Third Reading 
[Volume:642;Page:12462] 
CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (National) 
: 
 May I begin by offering my congratulations to the member on her careful stewardship of the bill and if I can say so on the courteous and pleasant way in which she has kept me briefed on the bill. I think one of the reasons this bill has sailed through the House effortlessly is that the Minister took the time and trouble to keep everyone informed and adopt a very pleasant approach to the conduct of the legislation. I really do commend that approach to her colleagues when dealing with other business of the House because there are quite a few pieces of legislation that are not party political but are in trouble and if they adopted the approach of Winnie Laban I think they would find that the Opposition would be so much easier to work with. 
I also join with her in congratulating the Porirua City Council which has assumed the responsibilities for the Pauatahanui Burial Ground. The council has worked hard to produce this legislation which is exemplary drafting and I particularly refer to its lawyer Duncan Laing—who happens to be a former partner of mine a very competent lawyer—who has done a good job in drafting the legislation. 
I too in closing want to refer to the very fine people who work on the ongoing beautification of the site. It seems a bit of a contradiction in terms I suppose in some ways but this is a beautiful burial ground. It looks out to the edge of the Pauatahanui inlet up to the new houses being built on the edge of the Whitby area. It is as the Minister said a very historic piece of land and to wander through it is to see the history not only of Pauatahanui but also of the Greater Wellington area. I know that Mr Robertson has referred to some of his ancestors who are buried in this site. So it is extremely important that it be kept to the highest of standards and the good people of the Pauatahanui Residents Association and the friends of the burial ground are doing a tremendous job in maintaining a high standard. 
I think in my first reading speech I referred to the heritage roses project. After that speech someone asked what would I know about roses. It is funny but sometimes male politicians like flowers. It was said that Sir Robert Muldoon liked lilies. Well I happen to prefer roses. That cemetery is full of them; some of the old English roses—red and white being of course the colours of York and Lancaster but I never know what is the right combination. 
Shane Jones 
: What did Shakespeare say? 
CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON 
: I do not think Shakespeare would have a lot to say about the Pauatahanui Burial Ground but he certainly would approve of the efforts of the people who have done a great job in ensuring the site will be preserved for future generations situated as it is next door to that beautiful Anglican church in Pauatahanui. As a humble list MP who is happy to do some work in the Mana area and to be working with Winnie Laban who as I said has always been so pleasant and inclusive I happily join with her in indicating that the National Party will be supporting the third reading of this legislation.