42 new MPs are a lot. It’s more than a third of the whole parliament. It might seem overwhelming but it’s worth learning who they are.
Each new MP is given a 15 minute ‘maiden’ speech to introduce themselves.
A few more than half have spoken so far; including both new Maori Party MPs, two (of three) from the Greens, three (of nine) from ACT and 17 (of 23) from Labour. The rest (including those from National) will speak in the new year.
MPs often describe their personal histories, their political motivations, and personal philosophies. Their stories are often fascinating. Their choice of subjects can be instructive.
And while you watch consider: which of the new MPs is a future party leader? Which is a future prime minister? Who seems a potential future minister? Who will be a strong opposition member? Which will find politics isn’t their ideal role?
The videos are embedded below in the order the MPs spoke. Because forty-two MPs are far too many for a single story we have separated them by party. This page showcases the new ACT Party MPs. Six more ACT MPs are yet to speak.
Simon Court, list MP
Chris Baillie, list MP
Nicole Mckee, list MP
Mark Cameron, list MP
James McDowell, list MP
Karen Chhour, list MP
Toni Severin, list MP
Damien Smith, list MP
Brooke van Velden, list MP
