Fortytwo new MPs is a lot. It’s more than a third of the whole parliament. It might seem overwhelming but it’s worth learning who they are.
Each new MP is given a 15 minute ‘maiden’ speech to introduce themselves. More than half already have, including both Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.
They often describe their personal histories, their political motivations, and personal philosophies. Their stories are often fascinating. Their choice of subjects can be instructive.
And while you watch consider: Which of the new MPs is a future party leader? Which is a future prime minister? Who seems a potential future minister? Who will be a strong opposition member? Which will find politics isn’t their ideal role?
The videos are embedded below in the order the MPs spoke. Because forty-two MPs are far too many for a single story we have separated them by party. Here are the new MPs from Te Pāti Māori.
