Parliament has only had its first sitting week of the year, and already the summer holiday seems like a distant memory as national politics has resumed its frenetic pace.
That may have something to do with the presence of hundreds of anti-vaccine mandate protestors from the Freedom Convoy; who having set up camp on parliament’s lawns and nearby roads throughout the week prompted the deployment of dozens of police officers.
On Parliament's forecourt a boy watches the Police lines from high up in one a Ti Kouka tree Photo: VNP / Phil Smith
Debating the kick-off speech
But inside the chamber, MPs barely mentioned the protesters, the illegally blocked roads and the harassment of locals and children which have been experienced all week. It appears the parties have agreed not to give them undue attention.
Various MPs did thank Police however and the Minister for Covid-19 Response, Chris Hipkins noted that each week, "more people are dying of Covid-19 in Australia than were on the Parliamentary forecourt.”
Rather, it was back to business, beginning with a marathon process known as the Debate on the Prime Minister’s Statement, which happens each year to start Parliament’s sitting calendar (unless the post-election Speech from the Throne has recently happened).
The Prime Minister’s Statement has a few purposes. It sets out the Government’s priorities for the year, outlines what it hopes to achieve, and what its measures of success are. It is also a chance to list accomplishments.
But formally it is a confidence motion, when Parliament is given a choice over whether or not to continue with the current government.
The Government suggests it should, the Opposition proposes it should not, and what follows is a wide-ranging and free flowing debate about the government’s agenda and performance.
In her statement, Jacinda Ardern took stock of the government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and economy.
“I stand before you, resolute in the job that stands ahead of us. And that job is clear: to lead New Zealand through this pandemic, to take on the challenges that we already face as a nation, to strengthen our economy and emerge stronger than we were before.
"Our guiding principle for the last two years has been to protect lives and to protect livelihoods, and that is exactly what we have done. Our confirmed cases, hospitalisations, and deaths have been the lowest in the OECD for the past two years. We now have one of the most highly vaccinated populations in the world, with 94 percent of those aged 12 and over double-vaccinated.”
National Party leader Christopher Luxon in the House Photo: VNP / Phil Smith
In response, the new Opposition Leader, National’s Christopher Luxon listed criticisms of the Government’s performance and sought to project his team as a government in waiting.
“I've made it clear that our job as the National Party over the next 20 months is not just to hold this Government to account, to oppose them and all their failure to deliver—of which there's just endless opportunities—but we are here to propose. We are here to propose an alternative vision of this country so that come the next election, the New Zealand people will be able to see a National Government in waiting, ready to go.”
Aside from the fluffy talk, he was also willing to make a bold prediction on the Government’s Three Waters reform plan.
“You mark my words: these Three Waters Reforms are absolutely finished, and I predict that we're going to have a new local government Minister very, very shortly too. Either way, watch this space. A big back-down is coming your way,” Luxon pronounced.
Trevor Mallard addresses the House Photo: VNP / Phil Smith
False starts
He nearly didn’t get that chance when he botched the beginning of his speech by not rising when the motion was offered - Parliament very nearly moved on at that point to a vote - skipping the entire 13 hours of response.
But the Speaker generously pretended he hadn’t actually called the vote yet and let Christopher Luxon have a second go at it.
At the end of his speech there were memories of earlier year’s errors - when Simon Bridges leaned helpfully across and reminded Luxon to formally table his amended motion (proposing a lack of confidence in the Government) - something he himself had forgotten to do twice.
Bills up in week one
The debate on the Prime Minister’s Statement lasts thirteen hours spread across the first two weeks. MPs pause t hat debate each day and get to work on bills as well. And this first week has seen a number of high profile bills moving through the House.
These included the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill, legislation to ban attempts to alter people’s sexual identity or preference, which has received a record number of public submissions.
It also included The Firearm Prohibition Orders Legislation Bill which allow dangerous people to be banned from being anywhere near firearms.
On Parliament's lawn one Covid-19 mandate protestor roams with a flag while another performs yoga Photo: VNP / Phil Smith
Good to be back
As well as such bills, returning MPs have reflected this week on the summer break, as ACT’s David Seymour did.
“It is so good to have our Parliament back, because this democracy depends on the simple idea that any person can stand for office and be elected and stand on this green carpet and question the Government and hold it accountable. There were so many times during this summer that I wished we had that power and ability.”
ACT leader David Seymour makes a point during the general debate Photo: ©VNP / Phil Smith
The Greens MP Golriz Ghahraman reminded MPs about the difficult times that Auckland-based members like herself have been through recently.
“Before I begin, I was just reflecting on the fact that as an immunocompromised Auckland member of the House, it's been almost six months since I was here in person, speaking. So it's good to see everyone—although distanced—and, you know, just keeping that locked-down city in mind, because we did do some hard yards.”
The debate on the Prime Minister’s Debate is expected to end next week.
