The debating chamber is like a sporting field. Teams come together, work out a plan, perform with passion and express themselves in search of a positive result.
But some days, certain teams (you know who I refer to) don’t perform, lack passion and conviction, and roll over – waiting for the final whistle.
Today was one of those days for a number of National MPs in the House.
After fiery debate by Hon George Hawkins, Ross Robertson, Phil Twyford, Su’a William Sio and Carol Beaumont etc on the Auckland Super City Bill, the Labour Ethnic Caucus, led by Hon Chris Carter, introduced a SOP looking to establish an Asian Advisory Board as part of the Super City.
With Asians making up 13 per cent of Auckland‘s population, making it the largest demographic after European and Maori, it is vital that this group is given a say on the future of Auckland.
This idea was backed up by a Royal Commission report, recommending the creation of advisory panels for the Pacific and ethnic or Asian communities. However the bill, as drafted, does not include any Asian representation.
Along with my ethnic Caucus colleagues, Chris Carter, Ashraf Choudhary and Rajen Prasad, we urged the National Asian MPs to put politics aside and do what is right for the over 200,000 hard-working Asians that call Auckland home.
In stark contrast to the passion displayed by the Labour MPs, National Asian MPs Pansy Wong and Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi (where was Melissa Lee?) remained silent with their eyes locked to the floor, counting down for the final whistle from the Speaker.
I hope, for the future of Auckland, and the projected 400,000 Asians who will reside in the region within 7 years, that Nationals Asian MPs recognise the importance of an Asian voice on the Super City.
Raymond
Asians may make 13% of the total population in Auckland. But go for the kill boy, tell us what percentage of Auckland ratepayers (ie. those who actually pay for the rates not bludge off others then whinge they are not represented) are Asian. Go find that one out and report back.
My guess it is a lot higher therefore you deserve more representation than other ethnic groups who are not actually ocntributing as much in rates.
As an ethnic group, Asians are screwed over my the so called democratic process in NZ. They contribute a disproportional amount of money to the tax, rates and private education systems and get not a hell of a lot back.
I’m a overweight grey haired middle aged white guy, will I have my own advisory board as well?
Jabba
Yeah – its called The Business Round Table.
Advisory Boards have been good mechanisms for ensuring the voice of minority communities are genuinely heard. Ethnic leaders have had the authority to interact with mainstream leadership and it has allowed participation that is appropriate and authentic.
Whilst the behaviour of National’s ethnic MPs is disappointing, it doesn’t surprise me. Each of the MPs owe an apology to their respective communities for their absence and complete lack of passion in the discussions.
An SOP for a Jabba advisory board..?
I think that was one of the ammendments proposed by Labour for the first bill…
I just wonder where does it stop?
Blondes get a hard time .. do they need a representative to push their case to be treated fairly?
What about short people, tall people .. Australians??
What an absolutely pitiful display on this bill in the house not only from National’s Asian MPs but from all of Nationals MPs.
This is the sort of stuff that used to go on under Rob Muldoon, when he wanted his MPs to push through legislation that didn’t have much or any wider public support.
I watched some of this debate and the Labour MPs were on fire. Even the old timer George Hawkins got stuck in, giving his local counterpart Cam Calder a massive bollocking for sitting their like bag of spuds.
What is the point of being an MP and not bothering to speak in the house? This is the kind of wimpy crap that we are going to see from National in the future so get used to it, what a disgrace they all are.
Lastly, being an Asian Kiwi I would have liked to hear Pansy Wong speak; to hear her point of view on the issues. But only for short while, cause frankly she has about as much to offer to the Auckland Super City debate, as two feminists have to offer on a debate about the All Blacks.
jabba says:
September 16, 2009 at 6:28 pm (Edit)
I’m a overweight grey haired middle aged white guy, will I have my own advisory board as well?
Jabba, there is one already – it’s called Jenny Craig!
good one Raymond .. love people with a sense of humour