KEY POINTS:
Departing MP Steve Maharey's last words to Parliament sounded a call for New Zealand to adopt a written constitution and set a timetable to become a republic.
Mr Maharey was among nine Labour MPs who gave their farewell speeches to Parliament yesterday. They included Dover Samuels from Northland
and Maungakiekie MP Mark Gosche, who is leaving to care for his wife, Carol, and spend more time with his family.
Mr Maharey said New Zealand was at a stage where concrete plans should begin towards becoming a republic.
"New Zealand in the 21st century is the home of many different communities. We need to consciously lay the foundations for a diverse, autonomous Pacific nation unified by a sense of what we have in common.
"We need a written constitution, and a timetable for when we become a republic. That is not a criticism of our past - it is recognition of what we have become."
Mr Gosche spoke of the support his family had given him to continue in politics after his wife had a cerebral haemorrhage three years ago, leaving her requiring fulltime care.
He said the Government needed to consider widening the coverage of ACC to include situations such as strokes.
"Twenty-three New Zealanders a day have a stroke and just over half have ongoing problems. I would forgo 1000 tax cuts if I was able to access the service and treatments Carol would receive if she was covered by ACC."
Mr Maharey said further challenges included eliminating poverty and making more family-friendly, flexible working arrangements.
He still believed politics was "a noble profession" but also spoke of its more humbling side. He recalled accompanying former All Black captain Tana Umaga on a school visit. Mr Maharey was confronted by a boy who demanded to know who he was.
"I was about to say I'm the Minister of Education when he said, 'Are you Tana's hairdresser?' So I paused for a moment and thought, 'Which is the best option?' I said, 'I'm the hairdresser'."
Mr Samuels said his memories of Parliament were a mix of the good and the bad.
"Not so good is when members extend abuse to the families and partners of MPs to get cheap political points at the expense of people who cannot defend themselves. It is little wonder people have no respect for politicians or the political process but regard us as the same as used-car dealers or journalists."
He also criticised the media over their recent treatment of Winston Peters. He said they had been "insatiable in their attacks" under the guise of freedom of speech. "Perhaps it is time to define what freedom of speech really means."
He spoke scathingly of how politically correct New Zealand had become.
"We now have Black Power filing a Treaty claim. Next we will see the Mongrel Mob filing a claim for the Reserve Bank of New Zealand."
The Speaker, Margaret Wilson, also took her last chance to address the House, noting that while women were now far better represented in Parliament, it was because they had adapted to the institution, rather than because of changes to it.