Best April Fool’s joke ever

By Frank Neill

Local MP Chris Bishop’s April Fool’s joke that he was resigning may possibly have been New Zealand’s biggest prank this year.

Chris announced on his Facebook page that he was resigning.

The post attracted 2,900 reactions by 7 April.

“This has been a very tough decision and it is not one I have made lightly. But I have to put my family first,” Chris’s post said.

“I have recently become a dad for the first time and it has caused me to reflect on what is important in life.

“I know that I will leave with my head held high and after having given it my all.

“There have been tough times and good times, and through it all I have given it everything I’ve got. But sometimes you just have to walk away.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey –colleagues, friends, and my family.

“I am sad to announce today that I am resigning as the captain of the Parliamentary Cricket XI.”

Although his April Fool’s joke said he was resigning from the Parliamentary Cricket XI, many people thought he was resigning from Parliament.

“I have to say out of all the MPs you had to be the most hardworking and supportive one ever,” Marata Toko wrote on Facebook.

“The work you did in my community was awesome and [I’ve] always seen you at events and gigs no matter how big or small they were.

“It’s actually sad to see you leave.

“I wish you and your family all the best in the near and far future.”

“Don’t do that dude,” Paul Byrne wrote.

“We need good people like you