New Zealand's newest Member of Parliament delivered her Maiden Speech last night, paying homage to Kiwi parents, farmers, and her feminist great-great-grandfather.
All as Sir John Key made a special trip to Parliament and watched on.
National's 55th member, Nicola Willis, made it into Parliament initially during the 2017 election, after an unsuccessful bid for the Wellington Central seat.
However, she was one of the two National MPs [along with Maureen Pugh] bumped off after special votes came through, making way for Labour's Angie Warren-Clark and Green Party's Golriz Gharaman.
After Bill English's resignation made way for Ms Pugh, Ms Willis got her chance when Steven Joyce stood down after the National Party's leadership contention.
Ms Willis delivered her Maiden Speech last night, landing a slight jab on Speaker Trevor Mallard.
"Mr Speaker, I acknowledge your mana. I do so with trepidation, recalling the many Official Information Act requests I wrote to you in your former role as Minister of Education. I intend to be less of a nuisance to you as a Member of this House," Miss Willis said.
She had previously worked for Bill English when he was the Opposition education spokesperson, and then for Sir John, as well as Fonterra.
She thanked Sir John for his support and "belief in me and your constant ribbing".
"My time with Bill and Sir John was the best political apprenticeship I could have hoped for."
Ms Willis talked about her great-great-grandfather Archibald Willis, who was an MP the year women's suffrage came before Parliament.
"My great-great-grandfather voted yes," Ms Willis said. "Today I follow in his feminist footsteps."
She called Kiwi parents the "heroes of New Zealand’s homes".
"Too often our public institutions and services ignore the realities and demands of modern family life.
"Families come in all shapes and sizes: one parent, two parents, four; grandparents as caregivers; blended, gay, married, not married, adopted, whangai.
"What matters is the strength of the bonds, the shared values, the getting up at 2am to change the nappy or give the feed, cheering on at assembly and from the sidelines, asking the questions when progress stalls at school and providing the comforting words when worries loom at night. Support. Belonging. Unconditional love. No Government intervention can replace it."
Sitting beside Sir John was former MP Steven Joyce, and former politician Hugh Templeton.
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