Kelvin Davis: ‘Each time you come for us … we will not back down’
Wednesday, 31 January 2024
Outgoing Labour MP Kelvin Davis told the House he came into politics “to do better for Māori”, during his valedictory speech in Parliament.
The former Children’s, Corrections and Crown/Māori Relations Minister took aim at the Government over the Treaty Principles Bill.
“No one should attempt to delegitimise 184 years of discussion, just because they have belatedly decided to enter the conversation,” he said.
“After 184 years, we should not have to constantly justify our worldview to the public service and ignorant politicians.”
He said Treaty lawyers would be “rubbing their hands together in glee” in light of the Government’s proposals.
Davis said there needed to be consultation and agreement with the other co-signatories, before looking to alter an agreement.
“Taking aim at principles [is a] back door way at undermining Te Tiriti itself.”
He said it was “fiction that we haven’t had an adult conversation about Te Tiriti” and that Māori “have never stopped having conversations about Te Tiriti, and every nuance, since”.
“When we move forward, the status quo always tries to push us back … Each time you come for us … we will not back down, we never have, today is no different.“
Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick delivered his maiden speech on Wednesday, saying people were what “motivates me and the minute it becomes about me I’m in the wrong job”.
“When my aunty told my late father, Gilby, who was terminally ill … who would give his shirt off his back to others, that I was standing for the Wairarapa seat, he cried.
“I think about that, about what that meant for him and to me, and that’s the standard that I impose on myself.”
Catherine Wedd of Tukituki spoke about her background during her maiden speech, saying, “I had a wonderful rural upbringing and never wanted for much”.
“Life hasn’t always been easy. I’ve seen those closest to me struggle with alcohol and addiction.
“But admitting my mother to rehab was positively life changing for her and our family. I want to acknowledge the amazing work of the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Programmes which have helped turn the lives of so many New Zealanders around.”
The former journalist spoke about the importance of the fourth estate.
“Fair, balanced reporting is so important and upholding the integrity and independence of our fourth estate must be a priority and I will stand up always – to ensure the lines of balance aren’t blurred.
“As a journalist I had power to influence as a‘storyteller. It inspired me to now become a story maker, being part of a team creating the actions for a positive narrative.“