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Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Attorney-General) : Mr Parker’s generous and statesmanlike contributions remind me of the line from John F Kennedy’s inaugural address that “civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof.”
 
 
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Attorney-General) : I thought that was a very careful and analytical speech from Mr Parker, and I think he correctly raised a number of important issues that will need to be addressed in a constructive way by the Justice and Electoral Committee. I can see from that very careful, thoughtful, and intellectual analysis why that member is the shadow Attorney-General, and why other lawyers in his party are not.
 
 
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Attorney-General) : I think the member missed out mea maxima culpa, because this was a grievous error on the part of the Labour Party. Actually it should not be “mea”; it should probably be “nostra”. But it is good to see that the member is repenting.
 
Address in Reply 11/02/2009
 
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Attorney-General) : I begin by offering my congratulations to you, Mr Assistant Speaker, on your election as Assistant Speaker. You are a great member for Invercargill, in the tradition of Ralph Hanan and Norm Jones, and I believe that you are going to be a superb Assistant Speaker. I also congratulate Mr Speaker on his election to office. History shows that extensive parliamentary experience is a vital ingredient in making a good Speaker. We now have a Speaker who has come to the role with that experience, and I very much look forward to the next 3 years in the House under his chairmanship.
 
 
Hon TAU HENARE (National) to the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations: What progress has recently been made in Treaty settlements?