National MP Nick Smith has apologised to the LGBTQI+ community in his valedictory speech at Parliament this evening.
He's bowing out after 31 years as an MP. In his speech, Nick Smith said he was wrong when he voted against the Marriage Equality Bill.
There were lighter moments too. Nick Smith joked that the worst thing ever inflicted on him was when the speaker tried to be kind while on tour in Turkey.
He also looked back at his time as Conservation Minister. He says making Poor Knights Island a no-take marine reserve in 1998 was pretty controversial at the time. He even needed a police escort because he had received a death threat.
Jim Bolger, Jenny Shipley, Maggie Barry and Nicky Wagner were among those who came to farewell Dr Smith.
