It’s been a big year in Parliament, with some MPs shining, others tarnishing their reputations, and the minor parties leading the way.
Top of the class
Chlöe Swarbrick is my politician of the year. It’s been a tough year for the Greens: the tragic loss ofEfeso Collins, James Shaw’s retirement, MP dramas, and Marama Davidson diagnosed with cancer. Swarbrick has held that party together almost single-handedly and, despite pundits’ expectations they would suffer in the polls, the Greens are thriving. Swarbrick is articulate and straight-up. Even if you disagree with her, you’re getting an honest answer every time.
Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke in Parliament during debate on the Treaty Principles Bill. Photo / Samuel Rillstone, RNZ
Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke: With her haka heard round the world, Maipi-Clarke reminded us that Parliament’s legitimacy rests on Te Tiriti. Her ability to rile the Deputy Prime Minister with her simple presence in Parliament always amuses. Maipi-Clarke represents a new future for our country: bilingual, confident and aspirational.
David Seymour: He’s made the Prime Minister dance to his tune. He outfoxed Luxon in the coalition negotiations, holds key health and education portfolios, and got National to support his Treaty Principles Bill. Act is an 8% party but Seymour is the driving ideological force of this Government, thumbing his nose any time Luxon tries to pull him into line.
Labour’s Willie Jackson was told to leave the House after calling David Seymour a "liar" during the debate over Treaty Principles Bill Photo / Mark Mitchell
Willie Jackson: One of the best conference speeches I’ve ever heard, focusing on working-class solutions that benefit all New Zealanders. People might love him or they might not, but I think we can all agree he’s a battler, and that’s what people want in an opposition MP.
Erica Stanford has grabbed the work that was under way and accelerated it. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Erica Stanford: While David Seymour and Christopher Luxon have focused on gimmicky education policies, Stanford has been working on getting the new curriculum out faster. She hasn’t ripped up the previous Government’s plans like other ministers – she’s grabbed the work that was under way and accelerated it.
James Meager: the new National MP for Rangitata. He has a great backstory, is articulate, and gave one of the best maiden speeches I’ve ever heard. His ability to work across the aisle is rare these days.
Chris Hipkins: Chippy’s a good guy who needs to be more assertive and visible, battling for New Zealanders who are struggling under this Government. But he has held Labour together; they seem disciplined and on track to give this Government a real challenge at the next election. In longer-form interviews, his intelligence and values shine through. He’s just got to find a way to make his mark in a field where he’s up against more showy characters.
Is Winston Peters one of the best foreign affairs ministers we've ever had? Photo / Mark Mitchell
Winston Peters: Remains an enigma. He’s brilliant on the world stage, probably one of the best foreign affairs ministers we’ve ever had. He has contacts and works them like no other. But in New Zealand, he focuses on issues that divide rather than unite our country. Why is he so concerned about who uses what bathroom, when the country is in recession? That said, he now has the chance to get back to his roots and be the man who saved rail and the ferries.
Must do better
The biggest fail this year has been the Prime Minister. Christopher Luxon still sounds like he’s selling soap, rather than leading a country. He’s not across the details and his interviews are a patchwork of tired slogans. Taking grinning selfies at food banks; he’s out of touch. Disloyally bad-mouthing his staff and ministers behind their backs. New prime ministers usually get a boost in popularity in their first year; Luxon’s and National’s polling is falling.
