Political diary: One week in the life of NZ politicians

Pansy Wong. Photo / Brett Phibbs.

Monday

Shouldn't every piece of legislation going before Parliament be drafted in simple and clear language? That's the goal of the Parliamentary Council Office. But that approach does not necessarily suit the Security Intelligence Service. The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Amendment Bill was tabled a week ago, but we have to share this little gem from the legislation's explanatory notes: "The new section 4D ... also authorises the removal of devices from a thing that is not located inside a place." What are they talking about?

Tuesday

Politics never stands still. At 10.30am, Pansy Wong announces she is retiring from politics, prompting a March byelection in her Botany seat. Shortly after noon, former Auckland City councillor Aaron Bhatnagar announces he will be seeking to replace her. He is followed by Auckland councillor Jami-Lee Ross and National's deputy regional chairwoman Denise Krum. National has a majority in the Auckland seat of nearly 11,000 votes; little wonder there is such interest.

Wednesday

It helps to know people in high places. Playhouse - the parliamentary creche - has come up with a variation of the old recipe book fundraiser. The big selling point of its collection is contributions from political party leaders and assorted other politicians. Starting at the top, there is John Key's Thai beef salad, Tariana Turia's Mighty Maori Mussel Fritters, Rodney Hide's protein muffins and Tony Ryall's cheese muffins. Opposition contributions include Phil Goff's Perfect Barbie Steak and Russel Norman's Spaghetti alla Buona Donna. But Metiria Turei's Mountain Dessert steals the show. The Green co-leader's recipe calls for packets of baby pavlovas, a big bottle of cream, a large slab of Dark Ghana chocolate, and a packet of fresh or frozen berries. That's it. Turei says this is a recipe for those times you are horribly late to a pot luck dinner.

Thursday

No matter what MPs might think of the capabilities of their leader, his or her name is one never to be crossed off a backbencher's Christmas card list. Not surprisingly, the rows of cards strung up in the foyer on the Prime Minister's floor of the Beehive are chocker with cards from his underlings. They compete for attention with others from sources as diverse as the NZ Contractors Federation, the Save the Farms lobby group, the Privacy Commissioner, the Chinese Embassy - and a pupil at Henderson's Sunnyvale primary school.