Little AndrewANDREW LITTLE (Leader of the Opposition): Thank you for that expression of peace and goodwill from the Prime Minister to all members of the House. It has been a very big year this year 2016: it has been a big year around the world a big year for New Zealand and a big year for me. In fact I have seen a rug recently that suggests it has been a particularly big year for me. A lot has happened around here in the last week as the Prime Minister referred to as well. We have gone from the Key team to the B-team; we have gone from the rowing eight to the coxless four. We might be at only the second year of a 3-year parliamentary term but already it is fraying at the seams. The previous Prime Minister has taken off without any apparent good reason for doing so—talk about Spray and walk away." Well we have had the walk away and we are all surviving the spray.We have a growing number of Ministers now sitting in the exit row braced in the emergency position waiting to get out one way or another.Hon Member: Where's David Shearer?ANDREW LITTLE: Some have gone already it is true. Steven Joyce reminded us this afternoon when he talked about the record wine exports that Tim Groser has taken his wine cellar to Washington. We have got a new Prime Minister but the reality is he is not that new. The Deputy Prime Minister on the other hand is kind of newish but even she has been around for every single one of the last 8 years of this Government and every decision it has made. It is a new Government for this Christmas wrapped in last Christmas's wrapping paper. That is the kind of Government that we have got. It will be as Elvis Presley sang another "Blue Christmas". But many New Zealanders will feel about this Government this Christmas the same sentiment that Kirsty MacColl felt when she sang with the Pogues in the "Fairytale of New York" and "pray God it's our last."But this is a time for peace and goodwill so let us start at home right here in Parliament. I want to thank on behalf of the Labour Party all the incredibly hard-working staff around here in the parliamentary precinct. To the Clerk and to all of the Clerk's staff you make this place and our select committees—good grief how else would we function? The constructive and productive work that happens away from the public gaze simply would not be able to happen without you. To the professionals of the Parliamentary Service who do so much for members and their offices and keep things ticking over; to the buildings and maintenance staff without whom we would not be able to put up pictures on the wall; to the Serjeant-at-Arms the messengers and the security staff; and to the contractors who keep our offices clean and keep us fed thank you very much for what you do. To Labour's amazing team of executive assistants to my own brilliant leader's office staff—that is brilliant staff and brilliant leader—to all members across the House and to you Mr Speaker I thank you and Labour thanks you all for the public service that you give to the people of New Zealand.But this Christmas our thoughts extend well beyond this place as well. Wishing goodwill to humankind means sparing a thought this Christmas for those going without both here and around the world. Whether they are living in hardship in New Zealand—and good grief there are far too many of them—or coping with war and hardship and deprivation overseas and I had the chance to see that in Jordan earlier this year my thoughts are with everyone who is doing it tough at this time in 2016. At this time of the year we turn our minds to those less fortunate than ourselves not just to sympathise but also to offer hope for a better 2017 for everyone. That is why we can all take pride in the work that David Shearer is about to undertake in South Sudan. I wish him every success.Labour's mission here at home is also for a better 2017 for every New Zealander. Next year we will be building on our great successes in Mt Roskill and the local government elections we will be up for the challenge in Mt Albert and we are ready to go nationwide whenever the Government is game. But before that it is time for us all to have a break get refreshed and get ready because we are ready and we are raring to go.Hon Members: Grr!ANDREW LITTLE: Mr Speaker I want to wish you and all members across the House—get ready for the growl—I want to wish you and all members across the House a very merry Christmas a very prosperous new year and a restful Christmas. Thank you."