Norman takes a final swing
FORMER Green Party co-leader Russel Norman used his final speech in Parliament to take a swing at the Government over dairy emissions and its record of secrecy.
Typically used for light-hearted reflection, Norman’s speech was more political than most valedictories.
He took particular aim at the level of dairy intensification in recent years. ‘‘There are too many cows, we just need to say it,’’ he jabbed.
‘‘The world is finite, there is not infinite capacity to absorb our pollution – there are too many cows and I think we need to confront that fact and deal with it.’’
On inequality in New Zealand, Norman said it had only got worse.
‘‘People say the Government do everything, that’s true. The Government can’t mend a broken heart but the Government can fill an empty stomach – that is within our capacity.’’
Norman also voiced his concern on the state of democracy.
‘‘Access to information, and government information in particular, is critical to the functioning of a democracy.
‘‘In my view the Official Information Act is relatively moribund now in New Zealand. It is very, very difficult to get information from the Government that the Government does not wish to release – that is a problem.’’
Brisbane-born and raised, Norman spoke of the ‘‘value of activists and agitators’’.
‘‘People who challenge the status quo, and people who have the courage to stand up against the established order and try to win other people to those ideas. I’ve been proud to consider myself one of them.’’
Taking the opportunity to agitate one last time, Norman’s speech had the sparse number of Government MPs in the House at the time shaking their heads for much of it. That included Environment Minister Nick Smith, who was the first to shake Norman’s hand afterward.
In the public gallery, familiar Green Party faces included former co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons, former MPs Sue Kedgley and Keith Locke, as well as former CTU president Helen Kelly.
His speech placed a full stop on seven years in Parliament, but nine as the party’s co-leader.
In that time he has championed sustainability and green economics.
Green Party co-leaders Metiria Turei and James Shaw both expressed their ‘‘warmest thanks’’ to Norman.
‘‘We are so grateful for Russel’s contribution to the party, and the powerful positive impact he has had on New Zealand,’’ Turei said.
‘‘As co-leader Russel helped develop the Green Party into a powerful political force, and in so doing ensured that our environment and the need for a sustainable and fair economy remain top of the political agenda.’’
Shaw said Norman had ‘‘clocked up a staggering number of successes’’ over his 18 years working for the party.