Recently elected NZ First List MP Ria Bond said her experience as foster child drove her to become an MP so she could help stop other children going through what
she experienced.
In her maiden speech, Ms Bond congratulated her leader Winston Peters on winning the Northland seat which resulted in
her becoming NZ First’s 12th MP.
Ms Bond said she was removed from her family at the age of three and placed in a foster home and as she moved through
five foster homes. People were shocked at “Once Were Warriors” but she had lived it.
The experience had given her stubbornness and a determination to stand the House to help ensure no other child went
through it.
She had forgiven her parents, but the lesson for all children was to have a dream and hold on to it.
Ms Bond’s statements interrupted the committee stage of the Arts Centre of Christchurch Trust Bill.
Earlier MPs completed Question Time, an urgent debate on the Auditor-General’s reports on Whanau Ora and the General
Debate.
Debate on the Arts Centre Bill will resume this evening.
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