Parliamentary Adjournments Sitting of the House: A Year in Review

As New Zealand’s Parliament adjourned its sessions for 2024, members from across the political spectrum reflected on their experiences and contributions during a year marked by significant challenges and achievements. The adjournment debate was a mix of acknowledgments, critiques, and moments of humor.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon: Acknowledging Efforts Amidst Challenges

Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon began the session by outlining the sitting programme for 2025, including dates such as January 28-30; February 11-13, 18-20; March 4-6, 11-13; and more. He expressed gratitude towards various parliamentary staff, from security personnel to IT support teams.

Luxon highlighted key achievements under his leadership, such as reducing inflation to 2.2 percent from 7.3 percent, providing a $2.9 billion tax cut for landlords while cutting support for first-home buyers, and achieving wage growth faster than the rate of inflation for four consecutive quarters—despite criticisms.

Despite these successes, Luxon acknowledged challenges, likening his government’s situation to navigating historical crises like the Titanic or being part of a poorly scripted movie plot. He remained optimistic about New Zealand’s economic prospects and underscored the coalition’s commitment to addressing pressing issues like healthcare and public safety.

Chris Hipkins: Critiquing Government Performance

Rt Hon Chris Hipkins, Leader of the Opposition, offered a critical perspective on the current government's performance. He highlighted perceived missteps in policy areas ranging from housing to crime prevention, citing cuts to health services that disproportionately benefited landlords over first-home buyers.

Hipkins took time to thank various parliamentary staff and praised colleagues across party lines for their solidarity during challenging moments. His speech underscored Labour’s determination to hold the government accountable while advocating for more equitable policies.

Chlöe Swarbrick: Advocacy Through Humor and Reflection

Chlöe Swarbrick, Co-Leader of the Green Party, delivered a poignant critique wrapped in humor and reflection. She lamented what she saw as an excessive focus on media optics over substantive policy discussions within Parliament.

Swarbrick shared personal reflections on her co-leader Marama Davidson’s battle with cancer and the passing of colleague Nikki Kaye. Her speech was a call to action, urging unity in upholding foundational agreements like Te Tiriti o Waitangi. She expressed gratitude towards parliamentary staff and allies who stood by Green policies aimed at environmental sustainability and social justice.

David Seymour: ACT’s Vision for Freedom and Reform

David Seymour of the ACT Party infused his speech with humor as he recounted his unscripted delivery style, emphasizing ACT’s core values of human freedom. He highlighted significant contributions from ACT members in various policy areas, including health reforms by Brooke van Velden and legal reforms advocated by Simon Court.

Seymour thanked coalition partners and parliamentary staff for their collaboration, underscoring ACT's commitment to individual empowerment and government efficiency.

Winston Peters: A Forceful Critique of Opposition Parties

Rt Hon Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister, delivered a fiery critique of Labour and Te Pāti Māori. His speech was marked by strong language and pointed personal attacks against opposition members, leading to several points of order for inappropriate remarks.

Despite the contentious tone, Peters acknowledged the achievements of his coalition partners and parliamentary staff, emphasizing New Zealand First’s role in shaping government policy.

Rawiri Waititi: Defending Māori Interests Amidst Government Criticism

Co-Leader of Te Pāti Māori, Rawiri Waititi, used cultural elements like song and poetry to voice strong opposition to the government’s treatment of Māori issues. His speech was a call for greater respect and recognition of Māori rights, criticizing policies he viewed as detrimental to indigenous communities.

Waititi thanked supporters of Te Pāti Māori for their activism and solidarity, highlighting the collective efforts needed to address these challenges.

Tangi Utikere: Labour’s Perspective on Coalition Failures

Tangi Utikere, Chief Whip of Labour, used humor to critique the coalition government’s performance. She highlighted failures in transport policy and healthcare, proposing symbolic Christmas gifts that reflected perceived shortcomings of coalition members.

Utikere emphasized Labour’s commitment to addressing climate change and social inequality, thanking party whips and parliamentary staff for their dedication throughout the year.

Chris Bishop: Celebrating Achievements with a Touch of Humor

Hon Chris Bishop, Leader of the House, provided an overview of the government’s legislative accomplishments, including 149 fast-track projects. His speech was filled with humor as he recounted political anecdotes and engaged colleagues in light-hearted banter.

Bishop expressed gratitude towards coalition partners ACT and parliamentary staff for their collaborative efforts in achieving these milestones.

Cushla Tangaere-Manuel: A Call for Justice and Equity

Cushla Tangaere-Manuel of Labour-Ikaroa Rāwhiti delivered a powerful critique of government policies affecting Māori communities. She used humor to address political colleagues and shared personal reflections on the challenges faced by indigenous populations.

Tangaere-Manuel presented a critical song about the government’s performance, emphasizing the need for justice and equity in policy-making.

Scott Simpson: Reflecting on Democracy and Parliamentary Work

Hon Scott Simpson, Senior Whip of National, reflected on the significance of open debate in democracy. He highlighted global challenges faced by other countries and used humor to underscore political dynamics within Parliament.

Simpson thanked all parties for their contributions to parliamentary processes and wished colleagues a safe holiday season.

Gerry Brownlee: A Year of Reflection and Acknowledgment

Rt Hon Gerry Brownlee, Speaker of the House, concluded the debate with reflections on the year’s events. He acknowledged significant losses within Parliament, including the death of Efeso Collins, and emphasized the importance of open debate as a cornerstone of democracy.

Brownlee thanked key individuals and teams within the Parliamentary Service for their support and contributions over the year, wishing everyone a happy holiday season.

As Parliament adjourned, the diverse perspectives presented in this debate highlighted both the achievements and challenges faced by New Zealand’s political landscape in 2024. The session served as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to navigate complex issues while striving for unity and progress.