January 31, 2024
Valedictory for Davis, Tirikatene slips away
Former Te Taitokerau MP Kelvin Davis will make his valedictory speech this afternoon before handing in his warrant at Waitangi Day.
He’s not the only senior Māori MP to go – former Te Tai Tonga MP Rino Tirikatene slipped out the door on Sunday, passing up the chance to give a farewell speech to parliament.
Willie Jackson, who’s now the senior member of Labour’s senior Māori caucus, says Mr Tirikatene made a significant contribution in his 12 years in the house.
“He’s one of those quiet achievers. He talked about not taking Māori for granted when he put his Bill up for representation for Māori on (Canterbury Regional Council) a couple of years ago and someone you could underestimate. He’s never been high profile but quiet and a significant and strong contributor,” he says.
Kelvin Davis’s valedictory is at 5.45pm.
Mr Tirikatene’s departure has brought back former Banks Peninsula MP xx as a list MP, and former Northland MP Shanan Halbert will rejoin the caucus after Kelvin Davis goes.