Fortytwo new MPs is a lot. It’s more than a third of the whole parliament. It might seem overwhelming but it’s worth learning who they are.
Each new MP is given a 15 minute ‘maiden’ speech to introduce themselves. More than half have including both Maori Party, two (of three) from the Greens, three (of nine) from ACT and 17 (of 23) from Labour. The rest (including all the new MPs from National) will speak in the new year.
Maiden speeches tend to describe personal histories, political motivations, and personal philosophies. MP's stories are often fascinating. Their choice of subjects can be instructive.
And while you watch consider: Which of the new MPs is a future party leader? Which is a future prime minister? Who seems a potential future minister? Who will be a strong opposition member? Which will find politics isn’t their ideal role? Which will be the first to be red-carded (sent from the House by the Speaker)?
The videos are embedded below. Because forty-two MPs are far too many for a single story we have separated them by party. Here are the MPs from Labour.
Rachel Brooking, list MP
Rachel Boyack, MP for Nelson
Emily Henderson, MP for Whangarei
Gaurav Sharma, MP for Hamilton-West
Sarah Pallett, MP for Ilam
Glen Bennett, MP for New Plymouth
Arena Williams, MP for Manurewa
Ibrahim Omer, List MP
Naisi Chen, List MP
Helen White, List MP
Shanan Halbert, MP for Northcote
Steph Lewis, MP for Whanganui
Barbara Edmonds, MP for Mana
Anae Neru Leavasa, MP for Takanini
Teresa Ngobi, MP for Ōtaki
Tangi Utikere MP for Palmerston North
Vanushi Walters, MP for Upper Harbour
Angela Roberts, list MP
Camilla Belich, list MP
Tracy McLellan, MP for Banks Peninsula
Anna Lorck: MP for Tukituki
Ayesha Verrall, list MP
Ingrid Leary, MP for Taieri
