Prime welcomed to Parliament
New Labour MP Willow-Jean Prime has been welcomed into Parliament with her two-monthold daughter Heeni.
Prime says the induction for new MPs was like speed dating with sessions on formal procedures within the house, the roles of the various departments of Parliamentary Services and even role playing their affirmation and how to ask questions in the house.
Prime says her mother Adrieanne was issued a security pass before she was, allowing Adrieanne to help look after baby Heeni.
‘‘They have a wha¯nau room here, that we use and she can be here with me in the office at times.
‘‘For us we’ve found it really accommodating and natural.’’
Prime says the idea of entering central government came up not long after she was elected in her first term as a Far North District Councillor in 2013, when she was contacted by the Labour Party.
She contested the 2014 general election and the 2015 by-election, before her list placing of 16 secured her seat in this year’s general election.
‘‘I’m really grateful to represent the Labour Party in 2017, and I felt proud to arrive in Wellington, but I’m still keen to take the Northland seat.’’
Prime says she really enjoyed her role at the Far North District Council, but she felt she could achieve more in Parliament for the people of Northland.
‘‘Parliament makes the law and sets policy and the budget is a lot bigger.
‘‘Northland has a small rate base with the lowest average income and we need support from the Government and with my strong advocacy skills I thought I could help achieve that for us in Wellington.’’
Prime says she is also proud to call Moerewa her home town.
‘‘On my street, where I grew up, there are three lawyers, several school teachers, two wellknown reporters, as well as many sporting talents from Moerewa.
‘‘We should be proud.’’