End of Session speech

Tuesday 18 December 2007

Members of Parliament, as the 2007 parliamentary year comes to a close, I wish to pay tribute to all the people who contribute to the efficient functioning of this House.

First I must acknowledge the support of my colleague and Deputy Speaker Clem Simich and Assistant Speakers Ann Hartley and Ross Robertson, who have been great to work with and have never failed to perform when asked. I also acknowledge the tireless work of Parliament’s kaumätua and kuia John Tahuparae and Rose White. Thank you.

Once again I formally record my thanks to the former Clerk of the House, David McGee and wish him every success in his new position as Ombudsman. May I also record my congratulations to Mary Harris who has been appointed the new Clerk of the House.

I would also like to thank the staff of the Clerk’s Office for their professional and administrative skills in servicing the table of the House; compiling Hansard records; processing legislation, questions and petitions; and serving select committees.

Thanks also to George Tanner, the former Chief Parliamentary Counsel, and a welcome to David Noble, the new Chief Parliamentary Counsel. Without the support and professionalism of Parliamentary Counsel, it would be impossible to deliver the quality service for which this Parliament is known.

While the Chamber is the focus of Parliamentary activities, the activities of the House are supported by the staff of the Parliamentary Service. It has been a year of much change for the Service and I want to record my thanks for the work they have undertaken to improve the quality of the service to Members of Parliament and to the public. I formally record my thanks to the former General Manager of Parliamentary Service, Joel George, and his senior managers; Members’ support staff, including executive assistants; support staff of the various Parliamentary parties; the staff of the Parliamentary library; research units; chamber and gallery officers; interpreters, security staff; building services staff; telephonists; travel office staff; and the reception and visitor services staff. May I also welcome the new General Manager, Jeff Thorn who joins us next year.

My thanks to Serjeant-at-Arms Brent Smith, and to all those who work with him to uphold the traditions and propriety of the Chamber and to welcome visitors to the Parliamentary galleries. They are an essential part of the running of Parliament and events such as the highly successful Open Day at Parliament in October. Others who work hard to ensure guests and visitors to the parliamentary complex have an enjoyable experience include Beverley Cathcart and Michelle Janse.

Thank-you to all those who have worked to support the committees that I chair; the Business Committee; the Parliamentary Service Commission; the Standing Orders Committee and the Officers of Parliament Committee. It has been a busy year, especially for the Parliamentary Service Commission that has worked tirelessly to produce the new Determination and Directions.

I also acknowledge the work of the Officers of Parliament.

I offer a special thanks to the Leader of the House, Hon Dr Michael Cullen, and the Opposition Leader, Gerry Brownlee, to Leaders of all the parties in this House, their deputies, the party whips and their deputies. You have all contributed to the smooth operation of the business of the House.

I would like to acknowledge and thank members of the Press Gallery who are a necessary part of a democratic Parliament.

I acknowledge also the work of all Members of Parliament who, despite enormous workloads, serve this House well

I extend a personal thanks to my own staff; Pam, Roland, the two Roses and Nina. It would be impossible to do my job without you.

Although the people can now see how hard we work through the televising of proceedings, I would like to reinforce that impression with a few statistics.