Sepuloni Carmel; O'Connor GregHon CARMEL SEPULONI (Deputy Prime Minister): I was really hoping that the Leader of the Opposition may have been able to extend in his adjournment speech beyond the key lines that he's been rattling off on the dailies but unfortunately that wasn't the case. Anyone tuning in and watching on TV I think probably went to mute straight after Mr Speaker". Back to what is important: I do want to start by expressing my warmest and heartfelt thanks to all those who work day and night to keep democracy running and this place ticking over. The various officers of Parliament Hansard the Clerk's Office the Table Office and the Bills Office select committee staff the hard-working cleaners the Copperfields staff and of course our own ministerial parliamentary and electorate staff. I also want to acknowledge you Mr Deputy Speaker and the Assistant Speakers for the roles that you have played. Finally to every member across all political parties that has given a valedictory speech in recent weeks we wish you well and we thank you all for your service to the country and to this place. I know that I speak on behalf of many when I say bring on 14 October and also when I say thank God this is the last sitting day. The battlefield is set and as we embark on the campaign of our lives I liken the National Party to something out of an Indiana Jones film: venturing into the unknown facing a multitude of obstacles loopholes cuts and unfunded and uncharted pathways and routes towards "voodoo land". Their quest is not one for lost artefacts but a quest and pathway to leadership for their leader in waiting the "Oscar award - winning actress" Nicola Willis. The acting classes have been put to really good use taking the political drama of question time in this theatre to another level. I'm really hoping though that overacting will be addressed during the next lesson.For us on this side of the House this election will be our Avengers moment. We may not have the capes but we have the track record of delivery the determination to continue fighting for hardworking New Zealanders the conviction to do what is right and championing the causes that matter. Not only for the now but for our future because seriously what kind of country do we want our children and our grandchildren to grow up in?Much like an iconic scene from The Lord of the Rings where a diverse fellowship bands together to conquer adversity we too come from different walks of life each carrying a unique strength. The magic lies in our unity our collective commitment to the ideals that bind us.Our campaign is not just about winning an election it's about forging a fellowship for progress where no one is left behind. That is exactly what we have done over the course of our time in Government. The progress we've made in the welfare system has been at the heart of our fellowship for progress. And like any good movie taking people along with us on that journey has been instrumental. As part of this journey I've been working hard to change people's perceptions about those on benefit and those who at some point in their lives find themselves needing to be supported by the welfare system. COVID weather events workforce demands and shortages have seen so many more New Zealanders requiring the Ministry for Social Development support. Unfortunately when it comes to the welfare system these perceptions can often be clouded by stereotypes that oversimplify complex issues. Behind that term "beneficiary" lie diverse lives people and whānau with their own triumphs and trials. Consider the story the pursuit of happiness where a struggling father overcomes immense challenges to provide a better life for his son. This narrative resonates with the experiences of many beneficiaries who despite facing hardships strive for a better future.This Parliament finally has 50:50 gender representation. Our Government's Cabinet also now has equal gender representation. We know that Barbie Land works far better when strong capable women are given the opportunity to step up. We've seen the chaos in a Ken-dominated land. Let's not let that happen this election and don't worry men you are not at risk—you too have a place. As political commentator and National Party member Janet Wilson said recently in relation to a certain National MP "You just need to put your big boy pants on."—relax into sharing power and the world will be a better place. She also mentioned the need to grow something but I won't go there. I just want you to know you are all "Kenough".It has been an honour to serve as a Minister in this Government again both under Jacinda Ardern and now the capable and calm leadership of my friend and colleague the Prime Minister Chris Hipkins. I'm really proud of the work we have done to support New Zealanders and secure our future. Today and I just had to throw this into the speech I got a question by the National spokesperson on social development but did anyone notice that she may have gone eight months—225 days—without asking me a single question on one of the biggest portfolios in Government? Either I have been channelling the all-perfect magical Mary Poppins or "beneficiary bashing" no longer shows up in the National Party word cloud. That is an accomplishment.It's time to roll the credits on the 53rd Parliament: the biggest increase to main benefit rates in a generation; 77000 fewer children living in poverty; 100 million free and healthy school lunches; the most public homes built per year since the 1950s; extended ACC cover to birthing parents; extended childcare subsidy to 54 percent of families with children. We've raised abatement thresholds for beneficiaries; we have reinstated the Training Incentive Allowance; we established Whaikaha - Ministry for Disabled People; we've invested millions into employment programmes including Apprenticeship Boost Flexi-wage Mana in Mahi and Māori Trades and Training. Finally—I had mentioned this one too—we introduced an Artist Resale Royalty Scheme; it was well overdue. Taking care of our precious arts culture and heritage sector during a time that could have seen it decimated and despite all of the correspondence I received suggesting I was going to be responsible for the demise of both Shakespeare and opera Western arts and culture are still supported but alongside Te Matatini and Matariki and Pacific arts.The next 44 days is a story waiting to be written. The plot twists the challenges the triumphs—they're all part of our narrative but at the centre of all of that for us remains a clear focus on our beautiful country and the amazing New Zealanders who have elected us to serve them. To quote the words of Shrek—Hon Peeni Henare: Up the Wahs!Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: —not "Up the Wahs!" Mr Henare—"Onions have layers ogres have layers." I want to say the National Party has layers too—layers of cuts and loopholes cuts to services cuts to all things that matter to New Zealand whether that be our education sector whether that be our health sector—and as Donkey says "Not everyone likes onions." National's narrative well they can own that and I hope New Zealanders see it for what it is—a fictional movie or perhaps a political satire one that is unfortunately more tragedy than it is comedy. Thank you very much.DEPUTY SPEAKER: This is a five-minute split call."