Two new National MPs gave their maiden speeches in Parliament this afternoon
After Question Time and the General Debate, MPs debated and noted the Privileges Committee reports on the Question of privilege concerning the defamation action Attorney-General and Gow v Leigh and its Interim report on Question of privilege concerning the agreements for policing, execution of search warrants, and
collection and retention of information by the NZSIS.
Paul Foster-Bell said in his maiden speech he was delighted to be joining the National Party caucus as he believed it to
be the only one capable of leading the country properly and ``correcting nine years of socialist misrule’’.
He intended to keep his head down and learn the ropes from more experienced people. Foster-Bell thanked many people and
spoke about his time working abroad for MFAT.
Foster-Bell said National had its roots in uniting the diverse parts of the productive sector to govern in the interests
of all New Zealanders. He was ``resolutely opposed to socialism’’ and wanted to be a champion for trade and the opponent
of protectionism and xenophobia.
Foster-Bell described himself as a blue-green and a blue liberal and in favour of a constitutional monarchy.
Claudette Hauiti acknowledged her family and friends, and expressed her gratitude to John Key and the rest of National
for getting her into Parliament.
She described herself as ``explicitly Maori’’ and came to the House with humility and humbleness.
Hauiti talked about the Maori migration to the cities which brought opportunities to many, but also left many in poverty
and disconnected from their heritage.
She believed in self-responsibility and entrepreneurship, and talked about her time in the media and working with Willie
Jackson.
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