English Bill: Obituaries — Nelson MandelaText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeEnglish Bill: Obituaries — Nelson Mandela[Sitting date: 10 December 2013. Volume:695;Page:15339. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon BILL ENGLISH (Deputy Prime Minister): I seek leave to move a motion without notice in relation to the passing of Nelson Mandela.Mr SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.Hon BILL ENGLISH: I moveThat this House express its sorrow at the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela on 5 December 2013 aged 95. On behalf of the Government and the people of New Zealand I offer our condolences to his family and to the people of South Africa. Nelson Mandela was a positive force for change not only in South Africa but across the world. He was a man who during the course of his remarkable life made the transition from supporting an armed struggle against apartheid to becoming a joint winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.On the long walk that was his life he was faced with many difficult choices. As he grew in stature and influence he had to manage the expectations of his fellow South Africans from the poorest and most marginalised to the richest and most powerful. He had to balance the desires of his own supporters who had suffered so much with the expectations of the global community and most South Africans for a peaceful transition in their country. As an activist and as a political leader he had to face these challenges and dilemmas while remaining true to himself. Ultimately he made the decisions that mean that on this day leaders are gathering from around the world to pay tribute to a man who became a global symbol of determination perseverance and forgiveness.During his 27 years in prison he was a focal point for the fight against the apartheid regime but on his release he exhibited an inspiring ability to put his own hardships and sacrifice behind him. Where he could have chosen bitterness and revenge he chose instead forgiveness and reconciliation and his relationship with F W deKlerk was an example of this. After Mr Mandela was elected President in the historic 1994 multiracial elections he and F W deKlerk formed a Government of national unity and were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The nature of Mr Mandela’s character enabled him to transcend the economic and political tensions associated with meeting the high expectations of the new South Africa. I along with other members present in the House today had the privilege of meeting Nelson Mandela in 1995 and we all experienced there his incredible ability to make you feel that the privilege of meeting was all his.The Prime Minister John Key has led a small group of distinguished New Zealanders to pay respects to Mr Mandela at his official memorial service in South Africa. We have conveyed to the South African Government the sympathy of the Government and people of New Zealand. Many New Zealanders added their voices and actions to the struggle against apartheid. Mr Mandela’s passing is an opportunity to acknowledge those New Zealanders. They have proved to be right. The conflict that occurred in New Zealand over sporting contacts with South Africa was as those New Zealanders asserted at the time about more than our right to watch sport.Nelson Mandela’s passing will cast a long shadow. His place in history is unassailable. We can honour his legacy by supporting South Africa to stay on Mr Mandela’s path of forgiveness freedom and prosperity.