Closer Relationships

I've been visiting Canberra and Sydney this week as part of a New Zealand parliamentary delegation.  

The sincerity, warmth and goodwill that have been expressed towards New Zealand during our visit there has been persistent.

'Closer relationships' between our two countries is a common phrase that��s been used in conversation, yet the question is how much closer?

This kind of relationship could vary from a common currency to borderless trade and movements. I am keen to support and explore the idea of borderless trade and movements between our two countries.

Meanwhile, in Canberra, the air is full of speculation as to when Prime Minister Howard will call for an election.  He is keeping that very close to his heart - the opinion among the Liberal caucus varies widely between August and October. 

Question time over Canberra is bombastic and rowdy due to the tense times surrounding the election - this is coupled with the fact this week is the last before a 5 week winter recess and the election.

The Liberals have cornered Labour during the week with the newspapers carrying headlines of a 'Labour triple back flip' - you can tell the tension is certainly rising in anticipation of an early election!

I must admit debate in the Senate did cause a certain amount of envy! It related this week to the inquiry on the U.S and Australia free trade agreement.  This is the type of significant debate that New Zealand parliament should be engaged in!

There is much to follow up after the trip, especially in pursuing a borderless trade and movements' agenda

 The Australians have their eyes firmly focused on the world and they are determined to get their share. We need to lift our sights and quicken our pace. 

We can do it; after all we have the Bledisloe cup!!
 

Civil Union Bill �V a tentative start

Months of contention over the Civil Union bill finally reached fever pitch this week when it was tabled in Parliament for the first time.

The media and some politicians have been publicly dissecting the bill for many months without the benefit of seeing it. On that basis many New Zealanders have strong opinions on the Bill and what it will change.

I voted for the Civil Union Bill, and the Relationships (Statutory References) Bill in its first reading.

They will now go before a Select Committee where people will have a chance to submit their views.

I think it is important to recognise those in same sex and defacto relationships who choose to make a commitment to each other.  It's not the 'Gay Bill' as some have labelled it; it's offering a choice for heterosexual couples as well.

Of course, we cannot ignore the issues of contention for many surrounding the bill - that is allowing those in gay relationships to form a civil union. 

My electorate, Auckland Central, is a diverse one with many kinds of people making up the vibrant city - it is reputed to have a higher than average proportion of gay and lesbian people.  

That is not the reason for me to support the first reading of the bill.  My support is based on the rationale that this bill is not removing rights from people who choose to get married, it is offering another choice for heterosexual couples and recognising same sex couples that choose to make a sincere commitment to each other.

There are provisions in the bill that I want to see rigorous debate on.  This includes allowing heterosexual couples to change from civil union to marriage and vice versa - I want Labour to front up and show how they think that move won't undermine marriage.

Labour has mishandled this Bill so far by turning it into a gay issue - their two gay M.P's have used it to target the pink vote. Yet in media reports this week, their two gay MP's were asked to curb their public enthusiasm for it, in case Labour was seen to be pandering to the gay community!

Talk about mixed signals!!

We are yet to see informed debate about the issue - that is why both of these bills deserved to be examined properly and debated rigorously -let's hope that happens now.

Places to Meet, Eat and Treat

Sunshine restaurant is the latest addition to the Viaduct. It is an up market Chinese restaurant at Market Place that is tastefully decorated.

It offers Yum Cha, where small dishes with different food on it are circulated, and you can choose to eat as many as you want and as many different kinds as you can!

To enjoy Yum Cha to its fullest, it's best to go with a large group where you can try as much as you like.