KEY POINTS:
Claire Trevett continues our series on Parliament's new MPs, based on their maiden speeches
Kavin Hague
Green MP
Green MP Kevin Hague said he rejected the concept of a "higher power" or of religious faith underpinning the fate of humankind.
In his maiden speech, Mr Hague said humans themselves were responsible for the world and how people lived within it.
"I absolutely reject the idea that ethical or moral behaviour has its source in religious faith. On the contrary, my personal philosophy presupposes that there is no higher power that has, for some reason, disadvantaged some people and conversely privileged others or that will intervene to rectify this disparity or compensate its victims. In the absence of such external power then the responsibility for determining how we should live together and for acting to achieve that state is solely, but collectively, ours."
He also laid out his personal philosophy - a vegetarian for the past 28 years, Mr Hague said he become so "to take only what resources I need from the natural world and to harm the natural world to the least extent possible".
He felt a "growing unease" that the human race had reached the limits of what it could take from the natural world.
"Human beings are not well adapted to deal with gradually unfolding risk or dangers that are rare but catastrophic."
He said technological advances had saved humankind from the worst consequences of their actions in the past, but he feared it would not be enough this time. He looked to the United States for some hope for the future, describing Barack Obama's election as kindling "a small flame of hope for the future of the human race and the planet".
Mr Hague has long been an activist for human rights and is a well-known advocate for the gay community.
In the 1980s he was active in anti-apartheid campaigns in the mid-1980s - including the 1985 campaign to stop the tour of the All Blacks to South Africa.
He spoke of the power one individual could have, recalling standing in his grandparents' house 40 years ago, "tears streaming down my mother's face" while listening to the radio announce the assassination of Robert Kennedy.
He quoted "Bobby" Kennedy's address to the National Union of South African Students in 1966.
In that, the former US senator said just one man speaking out could "send forth a tiny ripple of hope ... those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance".
Mr Hague said while he was certain his part would not be as significant as that of Kennedy or Obama, "I commit to do my best."
"Let us now cast our pebbles into the pond."
Mr Hague was chief executive of the West Coast District Health Board, before which he was executive director of the Aids Foundation.
He has a love of the outdoors as a keen mountain biker and cycling advocate, and is pushing for a national network of off-road cycling tracks. His list of career involvements has given him a broad constituency - he lists cyclists, outdoor lovers, public health workers and gay, lesbian and the "wider rainbow family" among those he aims to represent. He has a partner, Ian, and a son, Thomas.
Mr Hague is on the health select committee and is Green Party spokesman on health and wellbeing, commerce, small business, tourism, biosecurity & customs, cycling & active transport, sport & recreation, rainbow Issues and rural affairs.
Stuart Nash
Labour List MP
Vital Statistics:
The 41-year-old just made it into Parliament at 36 on Labour's list. First stood In Epsom for Labour in 2005. Tried to get Napier selection last year but Russell Fairbrother retained the selection. Seat held by National's Chris Tremain since 2005. Spokesman for revenue, associate in trade and forestry. On finance and expenditure select committee.
Background:
Has a daughter and son. Lives in Napier, where he was raised and where his family settled in 1865. Has worked in international business and marketing, including Fletchers and Carter Holt Harvey. Was director of strategic development at AUT before moving to Napier. Chief executive of Napier's Art Deco Trust.
Personal:
The great-grandson of former Labour Prime Minister Sir Walter Nash, Stuart Nash comes from a long line of social democrats. He was initiated into politics "around the dinner table". As a 9-year-old, he had to present an item to his class the day after Elvis Presley died. It was also the day after Robert Muldoon delivered his Budget. "Five 9-year-olds spoke about Elvis and one poor kid about the Government's fiscal plans. Thanks Mum."
In his own words:
"When I showed an interest in politics my father told me to get educated and get some experience. So a few universities later and a little experience in a couple of industries finds me living my passion. But I did not come here looking for a job but because of a calling ... If I can leave this House for the final time in the knowledge that out party's legacy has made a positive difference to the lives of all who call New Zealand home, then I will have accomplished my goals."
Louise Upston
National, Taupo MP
Vital Statistics:
Won Taupo electorate by 6445 votes from incumbent, Labour's Mark Burton. Taupo was one of the provincial electorates to change hands in the swing to National - and after boundary changes favourable to National. On government administration and local government and environment select committees.
Background:
Started her first business when she was 19 and has since worked in business development and project management in a wide range of industries including local government, education, tourism and broadcasting. Most recently focused on telecommunications and information technology. Based in Taupo, she is married with three children.
Personal:
A fourth generation New Zealander, she said New Zealand was the promised land for her ancestors and that pioneering spirit was still what made the country's people unique. She grew up in Auckland as the youngest of four children which taught her some of the skills needed for business and politics. She cites education as her top priority followed by law and order. She spoke of a family in her electorate whose daughter was killed after being hit
by a drugged driver, and said the justice system was skewed toward protecting criminals rather than the
victims.
In her own words:
"It seems everyone is presumed innocent except the police. They act courageously and make terribly difficult decisions in the line of duty. We repay that by hounding them in the media, launching immediate inquiries and subjecting them to intense scrutiny. Why don't we support our police?"
