Too many MPs looking backwards, says Peachey

Three of the new National Party MPs made their maiden speeches to Parliament yesterday. Excerpts:

Allan Peachey


The Tamaki MP says Wellington has become the seat of a "nanny" system that functions for its own benefit.

"New Zealanders are looking for a new generation of leaders who respect initiative, independence, enterprise, individualism and freedom," he said.

The former principal of Auckland's Rangitoto College said too many people in Parliament were looking at the past instead of the future. "In the 21st century, knowledge and how that knowledge is used will determine the success of the individual and of the nation.

"There can be no place for a mean-spirited and socialist ideology which subordinates the individual to the ill-defined greater good of the state. History will shame those who seek to impose the crushing mediocrity of collectivism on our communities."

Mr Peachey called for tougher policing, saying young people were dealt with too tentatively.

David Bennett

National's new Hamilton East MP says people are rejecting promotion because it pushes them into higher tax brackets. Tax cuts were essential, he said, because they delivered rewards for hard work and enterprise.

Mr Bennett called on Parliament to deliver practical solutions to problems. "We need to be bold, and renew the spirit that made this country strong," he said. "With a positive attitude and hard work, anything can be achieved."

Mr Bennett said there was a mood of optimism and "a real sense of direction" in Hamilton. "We know what it takes to deliver ... but the people are restless," he said. "We can no longer be described as another provincial city. I was sent here because we deserve to be recognised."

John Hayes

Former diplomat and now Wairarapa MP John Hayes told Parliament why he quit the foreign service two years ago.

Mr Hayes, a key negotiator in the Bougainville peace accord, said the Foreign Ministry had given him an interesting life and the opportunity to make a difference.

"But, increasingly, it seemed time to move on," he said in his maiden speech. "I was uncomfortable with responses the Labour-led Government made to developments in our wider region, for example, in the Solomon Islands and Fiji.

"For me, the year 2000 was a year of shame. We ignored several requests for help from [Solomon Islands] Prime Minister Ulufa'alu to preserve democracy in his country."

Mr Hayes said the Government put an emphasis on process and risk aversion.

- NZPA