Maharey Steve: Valedictory Statements 
Maharey Steve: Valedictory Statements 
[Volume:650;Page:19171] 
Hon STEVE MAHAREY (Labour—Palmerston North) 
: 
 Before I begin my comments can I follow on from the comments of Winston Peters and say a few words about Brian Donnelly. The words Mr Peters used are I think very appropriate today. I do not think there is anybody in this House who met Brian Donnelly and did not become a friend of his. I met him when he was in the position of Associate Minister of Education and through the time I was here he talked with me often about education and we shared a passion for that. I am sure that all members in the House found something that they would have talked about with Brian during that time and today members will be thinking of him his family and his close friends in New Zealand First. Our thoughts are with them. 
Madam Speaker can I acknowledge you and thank you for your friendship over many years. I know that you too are leaving Parliament and I hope we can continue our habit of occasionally discussing issues of the day over a meal in a well-chosen restaurant. I say thanks also for the opportunity to address the House and I wish my colleagues who are doing the same all the best for their respective futures. 
Like many parliamentarians I am from a working family. My father who is now 96 years old came to New Zealand from Glasgow as a young boy to work for his father. I cannot disclose the age of my mother but her family also migrated from Scotland and settled in Dunedin. My talented colleague Lianne Dalziel and I are cousins twice removed because our grandmothers were sisters in Dunedin. Like Mr Key I am a State house boy yet I am here saying farewell after 18 years in New Zealand’s Parliament. That I am able to tell that story says a great deal about what is good about this nation. Fairness and equal opportunity have long been part of the New Zealand political tradition and it led to Governments putting in place institutions that made a practical difference to people like me. 
Like most parents mine—whose love and unflinching support I want to recognise here today—did not have the personal resources to present me with all the opportunities I have enjoyed during my life; only the community working together could do that. That is why I have been profoundly influenced by the 1949 Clarence Beeby Peter Fraser quote which to paraphrase says: “No matter our background or circumstances we have the right as citizens to go as far as our potential will take us.” and so that this is not just a pious hope the community has to make that possible. I had the good fortune to be born into a society where people were prepared to work hard to ensure that that hope was fulfilled. 
I do not want to idealise the New Zealand of my youth because there was a lot wrong with it and I have spent a lot of my life arguing for change. But the good fortune I have enjoyed has made me see politics as a noble calling and government is able to have a positive influence on the lives of citizens. It was the move away from this kind of thinking in the 1980s that encouraged me towards elected politics first as a city councillor and then into Parliament following the colourful Trevor de Cleene whom many people here will remember as the MP for the wonderful city of Palmerston North. 
I do not claim that everything done under the banner of Rogernomics was wrong. Like many of my generation I wanted to see a more open diverse and modern society but an overemphasis on the market as the solution to everything led to economic underperformance social breakdown and personal isolation for vulnerable people. Yes there were success stories and they were often held up as proof that policies were working. But celebrations of personal triumph are no substitute for the kind of collective progress that makes a difference to the lives of all New Zealanders. 
In 1990 I had my chance to contribute to a change of direction in New Zealand politics when I joined Parliament. I note as an aside that I watched with awe the confident and assured way in which Dr Russel Norman introduced himself to the House recently. In contrast my first time in the Chamber standing about where Dr Norman is sitting with my friend Paul Swain was a little different. I remember nervously and in an excited way watching around the Chamber as the man who became known as the “Great Helmsman” moved around the floor welcoming people to the Parliament. I said to myself the way one does when one is tired: “That’s Jim Bolger.” This was at just about the same time as he said: “Hello. Who are you?” and I said: “I’m Jim Bolger.” He said: “No you’re not. I am.” We have had quite a good relationship since then—sort of twins really. 
In my maiden speech to Parliament I took up the theme mentioned earlier arguing that it was time to achieve a better balance between the roles of the State and the market. I went on to explain that like all societies we were on the edge of such an enormous amount of change; we were confronting new times. Only if we harnessed the strengths of the market and the State would we be able to respond in a way that would mean New Zealanders would benefit. I suggested borrowing from Neil Kinnock the quote: “There is a limit to what the modern State can and should do but there is no limit to what it can enable people to do for themselves.” I talked about a new agenda for training for education for research technology; investing in infrastructure; a high-value high-skills high-wage economy; full employment; advancing the interests of women; people with disabilities; acknowledging tangata whenua; becoming a culturally diverse society; strengthening public services; and developing an environmentally sustainable future. 
Beginning in 1991 with what was known as the Labour Listens campaign I had 9 long years to think about how to advance that kind of thinking in practice. Labour policies were greatly influenced during that time by what became known as the third way. No one talks about this alternative much any more not because it is of no use but because I would argue we are all to an extent third-wayers now. We agree that the old ideologies have declining relevance and that issues like globalisation changes in family life and our relationship with the environment have dramatically changed the political agenda. The necessary relationship between the State and the market and civil society is accepted. We all accept the mixed economy. We all want to invest in the solutions to social problems. If the centre of politics in the 1980s and 1990s was the market I am delighted to say it is only part of the centre today. 
In 1999 Labour was able to form a Government. After 9 years of playing the understudy the prospect of governing seemed like a simple transition. Let me warn new players that it is not. The jobs of an Opposition spokesperson and a Government Minister are very very different. In the MMP era there is a period of calm and then coalitions are formed and the world explodes. The expectations on Labour in 1999 added to that pressure and I felt at the time like I had just stepped on to a train that was leaving a station. It picked up speed and it did not often seem to slow down. 
Driving that train was someone who I thought would be one of New Zealand’s great Prime Ministers—I believe that it is now beyond doubt. Helen Clark it has been an absolute privilege to serve with you. Stoking the fires was the wonderfully talented and acerbic Dr Michael Cullen. At the end of my maiden speech in 1990 Michael came over and said that it was good to see another radical communitarian in the House. I think I am probably the only one in the House who would take that as a compliment. In the guard’s van was Jim Anderton. I have always had the greatest admiration for Jim even when I was the target of his fierce denunciations of Labour in the House during the 1990s. Jim has a very loud voice and one can feel very very crushed by it when he gets rolling. But it has been an honour to share a bench with a man whose commitment to the values of social justice has never ever wavered. 
In the carriages if I can draw out the metaphor a little more were the rest of the team. During my 18 years I have worked with wonderful colleagues and I want to thank them for sharing the good times and hanging together during the tough times. The “Backbench Seven” as they were called came in in 1990. Wonderful characters like David Lange David Caygill and Heather Simpson who until recently I thought was an MP were here already. Then there were the people who came in from subsequent elections—people like Ruth Dyson Mark Gosche Mark Burton Parekura Horomia—and Annette King and Trevor Mallard who were known as retreads for a little while. Ashraf Choudhary is the first person of a new-settler community to come into this House along with Pansy Wong and is changing the face of politics literally. I think he has done a wonderful job and so has Pansy. Darren Hughes who is one of the funniest people in Parliament has been a great friend to me. Shane Jones—I could go on with person after person and forgive me that I will not go through all of you. You have been wonderful colleagues to be with. 
It is said that one does not make friends in politics. Well one does. Those people are friends to me. Some members on the other side of the House are friends as well. I hope that it does not ruin his career but I would like to acknowledge my friend Simon Power who is likely to be possibly maybe my local MP after the election. I have enjoyed the company of many other people around this House. Eric Roy and I spent a wonderful night in Queensland discovering that he was a Renaissance man if ever I saw one. I would like to acknowledge Rod Donald who I thought was a wonderful colleague and certainly a very kind person to me. 
But it is a challenge to maintain friendships because of the all-encompassing nature of our job. Politics is not a job actually; it is a lifestyle. There is always more than one thing to do and we are surrounded by staff and officials. On Monday mornings if one is a Minister one joins colleagues to talk informally about the issues facing the country before going to that special place on the 10th floor. It is a bit like the TARDIS up there. One arrives there and makes decisions. On Tuesdays Wednesdays and Thursdays one comes to the House and answers questions in the full glare of the Opposition and the media. I loved it; it was heady stuff. But there is always something that brings one down to earth. 
I remember going as the Minister of Education to a Mission-On launch with Tana Umaga. The kids had lined up—hundreds of them—to welcome him into the school. I tagged alongside Tana saying hi to the kids. One of the boys finished with Tana and he turned to me and said; “Who are you?”. I was about to say: “Well you know I’m the Minister of Education.” when he asked: “Are you Tana’s hairdresser?”. So I paused for a moment and I thought: “Which is the best option?”. I said: “I’m the hairdresser.” One of the great pleasures of this job is that we do meet wonderful people like Tana and I would like to acknowledge all the other wonderful people I have met around this country. This is a great nation and we meet superb people everywhere we go. 
I also want to record my thanks to my staff in Palmerston North in Bowen House and in the Beehive. We will have a chance to say more to each other later on but if you do not mind I will single out one person to represent you all and that is Kathleen Lambert who was my secretary while I was a Minister. She taught me to swear and she saw me through my time as Minister. No I already knew it Kathleen; I just grew a little! I have worked with truly committed public servants some of whom are here today and I want to thank them for what they do for New Zealand. But I must point out in case anyone is wondering that I am not including Christine Rankin in that list. 
I say to the people of Palmerston North thank you for your support. I say to the media that I know you believe in the importance of the fourth estate and I want you to know I do too and it has been strengthened by meeting you—it has been strengthened by that process. To the staff of Parliament I say thank you for taking care of me. I thank the talented committed Labour staff—the research unit deserves special attention—and my friends some of whom are here today. 
I said during my maiden speech that politicians made very poor friends and that is still true but you have been wonderful friends. To my family you have always been there for me; thank you. To Elizabeth Rose McKay whom I meet in 1982 and married 6 years later and who died of cancer on 19 March 2004 I say that if I have achieved anything in this Parliament Elizabeth you made that possible. If she was here today she would no doubt say in that very straightforward way of hers: “Well done but there’s a little more to do.” and there is. 
The last three Labour-led Governments have made a very positive difference to the lives of New Zealanders. In my city of Palmerston North the contrast between the way things were and the way things are is stark. Like most regions the Manawatu was in decline. I recall 1600 manufacturing jobs leaving the region in 1 year. People wondered whether there was a future. Since 1999 there has been economic growth jobs fewer people on benefits rising house prices and most important a sense of confidence in the region. We can face the current economic problems with some confidence because as Dr Brash noted recently the economy is fundamentally sound. So what next? As we are all third-wayers of one kind or another a focus on building a dynamic market economy and quality public services remains. I would emphasise as members might expect the need for universities and research to be given a whole lot more money! 
Let me list five other challenges. The first challenge is the democracy challenge. We do not need a referendum on MMP but the political process should be constantly reformed to ensure the meaningful involvement of the New Zealand people in decision making. New communications technology offers the best opportunity yet to include as many people as possible and it should be taken. Second I mention the poverty challenge. We should aim to eliminate poverty through a combination of redistribution lifting the level of benefits and tough-minded policies that are designed to close the gap between the haves and the have-nots. I note in particular the need for universal early intervention programmes from 1 year prior to birth to 5 years after. 
The third challenge is the nation-building challenge. New Zealand in the 21st century is the home of many different communities. We need to consciously lay the foundations for a diverse autonomous Pacific nation that is unified by a sense of what we have in common. We need a written constitution and a timetable for when we will become a republic. That is not a criticism of our past; it is a recognition of what we have become. Fourth is the Green challenge. Climate change and global warming have made the environment a concern to us all but we do need to move beyond the debate about what we cannot do to one about what we can do. We need to show how a prosperous and growing nation can also be sustainable and that requires innovation not regulation to be at the front of our minds. 
The fifth challenge is the family challenge—appropriately. New Zealand should be proudly family friendly. Families in all their forms are the building blocks of our nation. We need to organise our society so the needs of families and children are central. It is time for example to look again at the organisation of work—flexible hours job sharing time banking 4-day weeks 9-day fortnights and more parental leave. Space must be created for families. Members will have their own goals. Make them bold. The mistakes of the 1980s and 1990s have left a legacy of understandable caution in politics. The current economic crisis reinforces this stance. But in the midst of new times the spectre of the past should not be allowed to get in the way of a vision for the future. 
If I may I will talk to the media for a moment. Exploring these choices requires a different kind of public conversation; one where politicians—and others—feel able to participate in a dialogue that will lead to real change instead of being forced to watch every word they say or being driven to release the next 3-point plan or new initiative to feed a 24-hour cycle of news and entertainment. Now despite leaving I remain very cautious when it comes to telling the media what to do because as Mark Twain once said: “Speaking of the media it is not wise to pick a fight with someone who orders their ink by the truckload.” which means it is time to say goodbye. 
I have been in Parliament for 18 years and in local politics for 3 years and I have decided it is time to move on to make way for the next MP for Palmerston North; a young man who I think will make a real contribution to his city and to his country: Mr Iain Lees-Galloway. Politicians who have crossed over to the other side tell me there is life after politics and I notice four of them here: Mr Jonathan Hunt who I think was a wonderful Speaker of this House and a wonderful friend to me when I originally came into the House; Jill White who was the member for Rangitikei and the Mayor of Palmerston North who is a wonderful friend to me; Graham Kelly who is not only one of the best jazz musicians in the House but a wonderful man; and Judy Keall who lived just up the road. Judy and I did some wonderful things—they were all seemly—along our electorate boundaries in the past. They show that there is life after politics and because I have been peeking I know there is. 
There is one person in particular who has made me believe there is new life after politics and that is my partner Bette Flagler. Bette gave me this gold watch yesterday. She said: “No one else is going to give you a gold watch so here it is.” Have members got the hammer! No I will not do that. Betty’s enthusiasm for life is infectious and she has made me optimistic about the future. Together we are setting out to meet new challenges. We are building an environmentally sustainable house and I am joining Massey University in the immediate future. Universities by the way are charged under legislation to be the critique and conscience of society so you may be hearing from me! 
My life is very complex I have to say. Let us call it being a grandfather. In the last 3 years Liam Felicity Olivia and just 3 weeks ago Izak—spelt I-Z-A-K; hmm—have been born. Last Christmas Bette and I invited the babies to bring their parents to the beach for what we hope will be the first of many happy summers. Judge Mick Brown whom I admire greatly once said: “The best things we can give children are great memories.” and that is what we want the babies to have. They do not know much about politicians. I say to members that they do not know you but I want you to know that they are reliant on what you do to make it possible for them to reach their potential in the world they will grow up in. That is a lot of responsibility on your shoulders but I will know you will wear it well. 
Goodbye; it has been a great privilege to be here. Thank you to the people of New Zealand for having me and in the words of John Lennon I hope I passed the audition.