Angie’s aspect

By Angie Warren-Clark Labour List MP

The mark of a true leader is to lead with everything, recognise when your tank is empty and hand on the baton knowing you ’ ve left things better

People always ask me what Jacinda is like in person

The truth is she’s tremendously kind, funny, empathetic, and, most importantly, authentic What you see on TV is exactly what you get with her Sharp intellect, emotional intelligence, grace under attack, fierce loyalty and dedication to our nation Tears were shed farewelling the amazing woman who led us through dark times and good Though sad for us, I feel good about giving Jacinda back to her family

My first leadership change was navigated respectfully and decisively by a united party Jacinda officially resigned on 25th January, with our new Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni being officially sworn in Chris’s intelligence is harboured by a quick mind with a strong sense of duty and commitment He gives his all to everything he does Chippy’s optimistic enthusiasm is the perfect vibe for a reset With our full support behind him and his relentless energy levels, he’s got what it takes to lead us into the 54th Parliament as Prime Minister

Carmel was New Zealand’s first Tongan MP, and is now our first Deputy Prime Minister of Pacific descent Another glass ceiling is broken, another step towards neutralising bias – conscious or unconscious Carmel and I have worked together since 2017 Like me, Carmel has experienced being a single mum and has benefited from the training incentive allowance, which enabled a hand-up She would never pull the ladder up behind her She’s been an extraordinary minister and a massive feminist, with women, children and family at the heart of all she does

The honour of being welcomed onto Rātana was a bittersweet one this year, as Jacinda’s last official outing as Prime Minister The Labour Party and the Rātana Church have long held a special relationship since Labour consulted supporters of the Rātana movement when deciding Māori Policy We were welcomed into the temple for simple prayers and welcomed by the Mōrehu (followers) A beautiful series of speeches from the paepae thanked Jacinda for leading us through the best and worst of times. Chippy was welcomed as the incoming Prime Minister alongside our Deputy Carmel A great start to the political year

In local news, it was fantastic to hear about the approval of Tauranga’s innovative new courthouse I worked as a domestic violence advisor based in the Tauranga regional office on McLean Street I knew about its condition because I was often in the Courthouse during that role, and my office looked down on the leaking roof I’m delighted the new court will offer modern justice solutions - drug and family violence courts that meet the needs of victims as well

2023 is already set to be a busy and interesting year for our region and Aotearoa The announced election date of 14th October will undoubtedly speed towards us, so touch base with our team as early as you can with any event invites or meeting requests E-mail me at angie warren-clark@parliament govt nz or call the office on (07) 571 2492