Judith Tizard
3 May 2011
New Zealand needs to face the real issues facing New Zealand not be sidetracked into personality debates. We are facing a full-scale depression and the government has no idea and no plan to fix the economy.

I’m next on Labour’s list. Since Darren Hughes’ shock announcement more than a week ago, I’ve taken the time to listen to people, in politics and outside, and to my family. They have all said they will support me whatever I decide. I’m grateful for all the support and advice I have had.

Party Lists come into effect at each election. They stay in place until the following election.

This is decision is my choice alone.

Phil Goff has said I am welcome back to caucus and the incoming president of the Labour Party, Moira Coatsworth , has said she will support my decision, whatever I choose.

Outside influence on MPs, especially list MPs, was one of the things that many feared about MMP. Whether attempts at influence and bullying come from unelected party officials or the media it is unacceptable. MPs must do their best for all New Zealanders, not for any party or other interests.

The media has a vital role in a democracy, informing and commenting freely but not in trying to manipulate events.

I also react very strongly against bullying. Most Kiwis do.

I also made a commitment in 1989, when I was selected in Panmure to stay a full political cycle; from opposition to government and back into opposition; to pass on whatever I had learnt about politics.

New Zealand can be a great country when we get a chance. I love our energy, positive and sometimes, negative, I love New Zealand’s egalitarian can-do tradition. I hope we can continue to be independent, outspoken and caring.

The Pike River Mine tragedy and the earthquakes in Christchurch prove that we may not be able to prevent all disasters and that we can, and do, take care of each other. But we need good public services as much as we need common sense, kindness and neighbourliness. We also need enterprise, energy and the sort of courage that enabled our European and Maori ancestors to set off across unknown seas to cause us to be here now.

The most critical issue not being debated is that New Zealand persistent recession is turning into a major depression, like in the 1930s, and we have a government who have no plan to rebuild the economy or to rebuild Christchurch. In spite of their promises before the election about Auckland they refuse to engage with our Council to make sure Auckland can contribute fully to the recovery.

The government lied and smiled their way into office. They said they would keep everything Labour had done and give tax-cuts. Now, having given $9.1billion over 5 years to the wealthiest 10% and put up GST, they are using the excuse of the earthquake to slash, wildly, at spending and services . At the same time, like shonky finance company touts , they tell us we have to flog off our power companies, ACC and other assets. It’s like they are trying to persuade us to mortgage our house, again, for political sub-prime junk bonds.

There are good economic and environmental reasons to keep those assets and there should be a debate about principles and policy but instead all we get more lies and more smiles.

It is vital that we throw this government out. The question for me, is can I make a difference in 8 months?

There is certainly lots needs doing.

I have loved almost every moment of my life and work in politics. I’ve been elected and re-elected 9 times. I’ve had a huge amount of fun and worked as hard as I could. I am delighted to been a good local MP and to have been part of a government that made real positive change to most New Zealanders.

My only regret is the illness that made my last year in Parliament an exhausting struggle and that I was not able to put on record my thanks to many people. There are too many people to name but thank you all. Anything I achieved, was only because we worked together.

• I believe that Labour must focus on the election and win it.
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• We must retain MMP.
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The present personalising of political debate trivialises the choices before us.

While many people have been urging me to return and I’m sure I could find lots to do, even in just 8 months, my possible return to politics has been used as a diversion from the real issues too often.

MMP has delivered a much more diverse and responsive Parliament and while I think it can be improved, we need to keep it. I think if I took up my place as a Labour list MP it would, also, be used as an argument against MMP.

I would also be attacked for getting an MPs pay even though I’d be working full-time as an MP.

I have, now, recovered from the hepatitis that has caused me to be so sick and exhausted. I am sure there are many rewarding ways I’ll be able to use all my experience, in future, but it won’t be as a Member of Parliament.

Labour needs to focus on winning the election, not on a media firestorm about me or any other individual..

I hope that a Labour-led government can give hope back to New Zealanders, young and old, putting in place policies and programmes based on sound research and strong principles.

I wish whoever goes into Parliament now, and at the election in November, very well. I hope my former colleagues get a chance to be the Government New Zealand needs, to make New Zealand into a prosperous , fair and secure country that does not compromise our environment so New Zealanders can do what we need to, to make New Zealand and the world better.

New Zealand needs open, honest, confident and inclusive government. It up to Labour to offer that... then it’s up to voters to choose.

Judith Tizard

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