Mate Atu He Tete Kura, Ara Mai Ano He tete Kura

Mate Atu He Tete Kura, Ara Mai Ano He tete Kura

This proverb is poignant.

In all places, in all times, in all groups, in all organisations, in all movements and in all teams, This proverb rings true.

The meaning is simple: 'When one falls [or goes] another takes their place'.

I think of the New Zealand Political landscape.

Off the top of my head, I know of 4 Outstanding MPs who will not seek re-election in the upcoming General Election. Two from the same party, one from another party, and one from even another party,

Indeed, those who serve this nation in the House of Representatives have a most difficult task.

Most days, they'll wake before dawn to get early flights to Wellington [or wherever they are needed that day]. If they do get to return home that day, it won't be until well in to the night.

In many cases, these incredible individuals may not always get to enjoy the simple things in life.
Simple things like, making it to a family function, sleeping in their own bed, sitting at their own table to eat.

Things that we take for granted, like having a night at home with family, just blobbing out and watching a DVD, or going to the beach in the weekend, or a park, or just being together with whanau...

These things can be very rare for our MPs in the House of Representatives.
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As electors, we might sometimes forget that our MPs are human.
And the offices and stations that they hold, have great power and influence, YES..

But these people are human.
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And so, I believe that, it is fitting, that once an MP has had a long, illustrious career, that

They must be given a chance to retire. We must allow them to go back to their families.

Go back to their husbands and wives, sons and daughters, to their whanau in the places that they call home.

They have done their time for us, under exceeding pressures, the likes of which, you and I, [for the most part] would find most difficult.

They need to be proud of their accomplishments, And the many things they have done.
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I am thankful for the services of our MPs in, to and for this nation. They are our pillars of Democracy and provide the things we need to get on each day.
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As a last note, it is EQUALLY Important that the legacies they leave behind are carried on by new, dynamic and innovate people who can carry out the great tasks ahead.

May we all step up to this great legacy, left to us by our ancestors so that we can continue, despite EVERYTHING to build a great Nation.