Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke: Maiden Speech

After six years of a Labour Government Parliamentary democracy in New Zealand is in a fragile state. With new MPs likely to have a significant influence over our democratic future, Breaking Views is featuring a selection of maiden speeches, which reveal deeply contrasting views... Here is the Maiden Speech of the Maori Party's Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke:

[Thank you, Mr Speaker. Greetings to us all, to the House. I wander to Mōkau, I wander to Auckland. The land quakes, the moon wanes, the stars fall from the sky, Waikato arises from the abyss, it is our time.

Casey Costello: Maiden speech

After six years of a Labour Government Parliamentary democracy in New Zealand is in a fragile state. With new MPs likely to have a significant influence over our democratic future, Breaking Views is featuring a selection of maiden speeches, which reveal deeply contrasting views... Here is the Maiden Speech of NZ First’s Casey Costello:

Mr Speaker, I begin by congratulating you on your appointment. It is evident it is well deserved and affectionately accepted. In the brief moments I have been here, I recognise that your judgment, fairness, and humour will serve us well in both maintaining order and ensuring that all voices are respected, while allowing for robust and engaging debate.

James Meager: Maiden Speech

After six years of a Labour Government Parliamentary democracy in New Zealand is in a fragile state. With new MPs likely to have a significant influence over our democratic future, Breaking Views is featuring a selection of maiden speeches, which reveal deeply contrasting views... Here is the Maiden Speech of National’s James Meager:

I move, That a respectful Address be presented to Her Excellency the Governor-General in reply to Her Excellency's Speech.

To the fallen heroes, whose final resting places adorn these walls, and who fought for our freedoms and our precious democracy, I acknowledge you.

Takuta Ferris: Maiden Speech

After six years of a Labour Government Parliamentary democracy in New Zealand is in a fragile state. With new MPs likely to have a significant influence over our democratic future, Breaking Views is featuring a selection of maiden speeches, which reveal deeply contrasting views... Here is Maiden Speech of the Maori Party's Takuta Ferris:

[To the House, to all of the leaders, to the descendants of Te Tai Tonga, all of us, the Māori people who have assembled here, greetings to all of us. Mr Speaker, Gerry, greetings.]

1835, 28 October, Māori declared their independence and sovereignty to the world and the world acknowledged it. He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tirene, the Declaration of Independence of New Zealand, enacted by the authority of Te Whakaminenga o ngā Rangatira o ngā Hapū o Nu Tireni, the Chiefs of the Confederation of the United Tribes of New Zealand. The declaration was made and the country of New Zealand came into being.