Climate change big responsibility for MP

David Parker

Political editor Audrey Young continues her series on newly promoted Cabinet ministers and their views on their portfolios, influences and the nation. The series concludes today with David Parker.

What are the most pressing issues facing you in your portfolios?

In energy, it is security of supply, lines upgrades. I'm having a look at whether the various parts of the market are truly competitive and to that I would add the effects of thermal generation on greenhouse gas emissions. For climate change it is how to help New Zealand meet the challenge posed by climate change, including the environmental threats we face, and getting our own greenhouse gas emissions under control. On transport, the policy work has largely been done in the last two terms so there is not a lot of new policy work to be done. It's more continuing to roll out progress on the state highway network and also continuing to improve public transport. I also want to advance the different funding options that we have for increased roading spending.

Regarding Attorney-General, there are strong and long-standing conventions that surround most of my issues as Attorney-General.

How different has life become now you are a minister?

You're busier. You have a greater ability to make a difference and the rewards and responsibilities - the sense of achievement rather than monetary rewards - that go with it. I've got plenty of responsibility but the one that rests most heavily upon my shoulder is climate change. I'm aware that mistakes made there will have both economic, social and environmental effects that will be more important perhaps than if I made mistakes in other portfolios.

Any difference in your personal life?

Not really. It is pretty hard on families. They don't stand for election but they suffer the consequences of not having a father and husband at home as often as I should be.

Where do you get your most valuable advice from?

Some very good officials. You also get good advice from experienced existing Cabinet ministers and of course there are plenty of interest groups and private sector organisations who have valuable insights.

Who do you think is more powerful: the politicians, the press or the public service?

I suppose at the end of the day, the politicians. In terms of influence of public opinion, as opposed to policy, it is the press that is the most powerful.

Who was the biggest political influence on you before you got to Parliament?

Probably David Lange. The Muldoon excesses and Lange Government remedies and the tour issues were really active during formative years for me.

Who do you believe was the most successful Labour leader - except Helen Clark.

I would say David Lange because he set aside the divisive and unsustainable course that Muldoon had us on and advanced New Zealand is a way we are still reaping benefits from.

Is there a foreign political figure who has influenced or inspired you - except Nelson Mandela?

I have to say I found Bill Clinton pretty inspiring in his period of office. He communicated with people. People felt he was relevant to them and wise.
What is the most memorable election you have fought?

The 2002 election because it caused an upset by taking Otago, which had been held by National forever. I had in prior elections been in Pete Hodgson's campaign team and of course Pete Hodgson used to organise the marginal seats campaign for Labour when first-past-the-post elections were won or lost in a few marginal seats. I learned some pretty good campaigning skills there. And I had a bit of luck, too.

What is the last private member's bill you had in the ballot?

Funnily enough two of mine that I had drafted are coming up pursuant to other members, one relating to low-paid workers who are employed as contractors rather than employees and get less than the minimum wage. The other relates to protection of residential tenants.

What advice would you give a backbench MP aiming to get into the Cabinet.

Work hard for your party, constituents and be honest to yourself.

Do you think the New Zealand flag should be changed?

There are much more pressing issues that need to be dealt with in a policy sense than the flag. I've got no burning desire to see it changed, nor opposition to it being changed but don't see it as a high priority.

Do you look forward to Waitangi Day?

Yes. I think New Zealand has a history of race relations that are among the best in the world - that we can be rightly proud of and Waitangi Day celebrates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi which is an important part part of that history.

DAVID PARKER

Age: 45

Portfolios: energy, climate change, transport, Attorney-General

Family: Married with three children, based in Dunedin.

Work history: A former lawyer specialising in civil litigation and a former entrepreneur with mostly successful involvement in more than a dozen businesses including biotech company Blis Technologies. First elected as Labour MP in Otago in 2002. Re-elected as list MP last year.