Media Conference Notes - Post Supreme Court Decision

Thursday 18 Nov 2004 Rodney Hide - Press Releases - Other

RODNEY HIDE:

"I have just delivered the letter to the Speaker's Office that will trigger the vacancy of Donna Awatere Huata's seat in Parliament.

This has been a long road. I want to acknowledge our members and supporters, and I want to pay particular tribute to the leadership and the hardwork of Richard Prebble on this matter. I thank the ACT Party President for her unrelenting support.

Although, the most patient person through all this is this man sitting next to me.

It is with great pleasure I introduce to you someone who I believe will be New Zealand's newest MP, Mr Kenneth Wang.

It is a historic time because Kenneth Wang will soon become the first male Chinese New Zealander elected to parliament. He will do a good job representing all New Zealanders. His experience is significant and he will make a great contribution to parliament.

Kenneth is New Zealand-educated and has lived and worked in Auckland for nearly 20 years. He is married with two children, lives in Mt Roskill and is already the confirmed ACT candidate for Mt Roskill in 2005. For 11 years he has been Managing Director of Brand Works Ltd - an Auckland marketing and advertising agency.

As a fully qualified Fine Artist, Kenneth has excelled, with his most talked-about work being the Official Commonwealth Games poster he designed for the 14^th Commonwealth Games in Auckland in 1990.

Kenneth has a string of qualifications, experiences and attributes, and ACT is very fortunate to have him on board.

Kenneth has long been a strong adovate for freedom and a strong proponent for democracy. The ACT Party's principles and philosophies are Kenneth Wang's principles and philosophies.

At the last election the people of New Zealand voted for nine ACT Members of Parliament. It was never right that for some time now the people of New Zealand have only been represented by eight ACT MPs.

Fair proportionality is a key aspect to the success of MMP and today the wrongs have been put right. Justice has been delivered.

The ACT Party will now be more fairly represented and New Zealand will be better served. I believe the reputation of Parliament will be enhanced.

It is now great pleasure that I hand you over to Kenneth Wang".

KENNETH WANG:

"Thank you Rodney. I want to also acknowledge Catherine Judd, the Deputy Leader Muriel Newman, Richard Prebble, and the other ACT caucus members who have been so supportive.

It is indeed an honour to come into parliament and I am committed to representing every New Zealander - those who have been here for hundreds of years through to those who every day choose this country for all its opportunities.

I chose New Zealand half a life-time ago and this has been the land of opportunity for my family and me. I am passionate and ambitious for this country and I am looking forward to being part of the decision-making process.

I grew up in China during the social turmoil of the the Cultural Revoution.

I have long promoted the values of freedom, independence enterprise and success - values that attracted me to ACT some time ago. Such values have served me well as I have established and grown my businesses from very modest beginnings.

I am proud to be part of a party which has such a strong team and such passionate views on how we can move this country forward. I strongly believe in lower taxes, one law for all, and giving every New Zealander no matter their background a fair go. The ACT party best represents me and I look forward to getting out on the hustings particularly in Auckland next year.

As Rodney has said - it has been a long and rocky road getting to today. The wait and anticipation has all been worth it because I love this country and I will be honoured to serve it.

I am pleased ACT voters will now be fairly represented and I look forward to contributing in caucus, and adding yet another perspective in New Zealand's already divese parliament.

New Zealand is the land of opportunity and my arrival in parliament as the country's first male Chinese New Zealander shows just what can be achieved.

I want to inspire others, I want to make a difference, and I am looking forward to the challenge

Thank you".

ENDS

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