Parliament’s Business Committee has released the roster for valedictory speeches from retiring MPs:
Wednesday, 23 July 2014
(At the conclusion of the General Debate)
4.00pm – 4.15pm Dr Cam Calder
4.15pm – 4.30pm John Hayes
4.30pm – 4.45pm Chris Auchinvole
4.45pm – 5.00pm Colin King
5.00pm – 5.15pm Hon Chris Tremain
5.15pm – 5.30pm Hon Kate Wilkinson
Thursday, 24 July 2014
4.45pm – 5.00pm Dr Rajen Prasad
5.00pm – 5.15pm Darien Fenton
5.15pm – 5.30pm Hon Dr Pita Sharples
5.30pm – 5.45pm Hon Tariana Turia
Wednesday, 30 July 2014
(At the conclusion of the General Debate)
4.00pm – 4.15pm Dr Paul Hutchison
4.15pm – 4.30pm Hon Phil Heatley
4.30pm – 4.45pm Eric Roy
4.45pm – 5.00pm Shane Ardern
5.00pm – 5.15pm Hon Tau Henare
5.15pm – 5.30pm H V Ross Robertson
5.30pm – 5.45pm Hon Tony Ryall
The Herald opined that valedictories should be the preserve of “deserving” MPs:
No fewer than 14 National MPs are retiring at the coming election, plus a couple from other parties. While the turnover is refreshing for public life, it carries a cost if every departee gives a valedictory address. . . .
Few voters could name many of those retiring this year. Many are leaving because they have not been able to make much impact and accept that they should give others a chance. More credit to them, but valedictory time should be reserved for those who have made their mark and will be missed.
That is very ungracious and also shows a depressing level of ignorance about the role of MPs.
Most of the good work MPs do never makes the headlines, much of it can’t because it’s helping people over matters which must remain private.
Maiden speeches and valedictories are among the best speeches given.
All MPs deserve the opportunity to do one and in doing so show their work and parliament in a far better light than it’s normally portrayed.
Homepaddock 