Political rivalries disappear as MPs unite to honour Clark

Helen Clark receives the best wishes of colleagues in Parliament after confirmation of her UN position. Photo / Mark Mitchell

MPs gave former Prime Minister Helen Clark a standing ovation in Parliament yesterday and party leaders lined up to congratulate her after it was confirmed she would be the new United Nations Development Programme head.

Prime Minister John Key was the first to speak in Parliament, saying Helen Clark was taking up the third-highest position in the United Nations.

"Helen Clark should be very proud of her achievement, and New Zealanders should be very proud of her," Mr Key said.

"She will be working to help establish democracies, reduce poverty, improve health care, help in crisis prevention and recovery and assist with environmental issues."

Mr Key said Helen Clark would face formidable challenges at a time when developed countries were financially stretched and developing countries were in great need.

"In other words the UNDP needs someone who can front for them, mobilise resources and give the organisation a human face," he said.

"In appointing Helen Clark, they have endorsed someone they believe is capable of that task."

Labour leader Phil Goff said the appointment was a reflection of Helen Clark's high standing internationally.

"The task is consistent with the values she has pursued throughout her political career - support for social justice, development, sustainability, democracy and good governance."

The leaders of the Green Party, Act, the Maori Party and United Future also congratulated Helen Clark.

In reply, she said she would not have been appointed without the help of many people and leaders.

Helen Clark, prime minister from 1999 to 2008 and an MP for 27 years, is to start her new job on April 20.

"I'll be spinning wheels to make that," she said earlier.

- NZPA