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Images: Cheers and stares farewell Helen Clark
Scoop Images: Cheers and stares farewell the Rt Hon Helen Clark
Around three hundred people gathered on the steps of Parliament this morning to farewell the outgoing Prime Minister Helen Clark.
The Wellington weather was glorious, but the mood of the crowd was somber. Many of those in attendance were members of the Clark Executive who face uncertainty ahead.
Although there was trepidation, it was also a chance for them to applaud the achievements of the fifth Labour Government.
For many, it was also an opportunity to personally thank Clark, the longest serving leader of the Labour Party, for both her service to the Party and to New Zealand.
After a lively applause, a few hugs here and there, and also a few tears, Clark made her final walk down the steps of Parliament as the PM. She then entered the awaiting motorcade set to take her to Government House where she will formally resign as New Zealand’s 37th Prime Minister.
John Key and the incoming National Cabinet will be sworn at Parliament’s Grand Hall in at around 11:30am this morning.
At the Appointment Ceremony, twenty ministers from Key’s Cabinet will be sworn in. Also, three ministers from the National party, two ministers from the Māori Party, two ministers from ACT, and one minister from United Future will be sworn in and serve as ministers outside of Cabinet.
John Key will be New Zealand's 38th Prime Minister, the 7th to come from the National Party.
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...waiting
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NZ Council of Trade Unions
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(l - r) Darren Hughes, Annette King and Su'a William Sio
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the crowd gathers
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Labour Party supporters
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an all star lineup
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an emotional moment
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Parliament, a reflection as Clark makes her departure…
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'farewell Helen, farewell.'
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