March 21, 2024
Robertson signs out with message of hope
Former deputy prime minister Grant Robertson has signed off his political career with a message for young voters and especially rangatahi Māori.
Mr Robertson held the Wellington Central seat from 2008 to 2023, when he stood on the list.
In his valedictory speech last night, he said he was sickened by people using the journey of the nation and the role and place of Māori as a political punching bag.
“My message to rangatahi and tamariki is that what we are seeing now is but a blip, a small and ugly footnote to the progress we have made and that you will make in the future. Kia kaha. So Mr Speaker, that’s my final simple message to you all – you’ve got to give them hope,” he said.
Mr Robertson said one of his biggest regrets was he did not reform the tax system.
Former New Plymouth MP Glen Bennett comes back into parliament in his place.