The resignation of former Labour minister Stuart Nash as New Zealand First's Napier candidate has prompted a rare display of cross-party unity, with women MPs from across Parliament condemning remarks made about National MP Katie Nimon's parental leave. The controversy has also resulted in a new candidate entering the Napier race ahead of the general election.
Report by eLocal
Former Labour Cabinet minister Stuart Nash has been replaced as New Zealand First's Napier candidate after resigning following widespread criticism of comments he made about National MP Katie Nimon and her parental leave.
Nash stepped down on Wednesday evening after describing Nimon as "lazy" for taking parental leave after the birth of her son. The remarks drew condemnation from across Parliament, with political leaders describing them as inappropriate and offensive.
New Zealand First has now selected Te Kira Lawrence, a Napier city councillor who had previously been selected as the party's East Coast candidate, to contest the Napier electorate at this year's General Election.
"Decency Prevails"
Katie Nimon told RNZ she believed the outcome demonstrated that standards of decency still mattered in New Zealand politics.
"I just like to think that decency prevails."
Nimon rejected suggestions she had not fulfilled her parliamentary responsibilities, explaining she returned to electorate work when her son was just ten weeks old before resuming parliamentary duties after six months.
She said becoming a mother while serving in Parliament had been both rewarding and challenging, adding that every family should be free to decide what arrangement worked best for them.
Nimon also acknowledged the support she received from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Speaker Gerry Brownlee and National Party Whip Stuart Smith, who encouraged her to take the time she needed following the birth of her son.
Women MPs Rally Across Party Lines
The controversy prompted a rare show of unity among women MPs from across the political spectrum.
Minister for Women Nicola Grigg said parenting while serving in Parliament was demanding but entirely achievable and described Nash's comments as unacceptable.
Labour MP Camilla Belich said earlier generations of women in Parliament had worked hard to make motherhood and political service compatible, helping pave the way for future MPs.
Green MP Julie Anne Genter said Parliament should reflect New Zealand society, including parents of young children, while Labour MP Willow-Jean Prime said Nash's remarks failed to recognise the realities faced by working mothers.
The baby bouncer passed between mothers in Parliament from National MP Nicola Grigg to National MP Katie Nimon. Photo: Supplied / RNZ.
Several MPs said Parliament has become significantly more family-friendly in recent years, with improved facilities and greater acceptance of MPs balancing political careers with raising children.
They argued the strong public response to Nash's comments reflected changing attitudes towards working mothers and reinforced expectations that parenting responsibilities should never diminish a person's contribution to public life.
Labour MP Willow-Jean Prime with her daughter. Photo: Supplied / RNZ.
Prime Minister Criticises Remarks
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also criticised Nash's comments, saying he owed Katie Nimon an apology and had made the correct decision by withdrawing from the campaign.
The incident has become one of the first major political controversies of the election campaign and has reshaped the contest in Napier with only months remaining before polling day.
While political debate is expected to intensify during the campaign, the response from across Parliament suggested there remains broad agreement that personal attacks targeting MPs for taking parental leave fall outside acceptable political discourse.
Source
Based on reporting by Lauren Crimp
RNZ
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/775819/nash-replacement-named-as-mums-in-parliament-unite-against-offensive-comment
Lead image and accompanying photographs remain the copyright of RNZ and their respective photographers and are reproduced here with attribution as part of this report.