Speaker: Greg Fleming MP
Maungakiekie MP Greg Fleming explained that his electorate is large and diverse, running from Hillsborough to Panmure. Bringing a business/charitable background, he has lived in the Onehunga/Greenlane area for 25 years, becoming involved in the establishment of more than 10 charities, while his wife is a member of the Guidance team at One Tree Hill College.
He really enjoys the role of a local MP, helping families and communities to overcome barriers – and also welcomes the chance to reach across party lines. Greg gained national prominence, when luck allowed him to advance a private member’s bill on Modern Slavery, which he co-sponsored with Camilla Belich. He also ruefully noted that his greatest claim to fame appears to have been the destruction by fire of his office in Onehunga Mall – which apparently has gained 160,000 views! Greg took this opportunity to save $50,000 dollars per annum, by meeting constituents in local cafes.
His presentation then moved into responses from questions, where he noted that most NZ governments get 2-3 terms but an earlier oil crisis when people cannot meet necessities, had produced a one-term government. He does expect the unique 3 way coalition to return, but probably “with bigger wings”.
Greg shared interesting information about a possible alternative crossing of Cook Strait to Clifford Bay – a shorter voyage and closer to Christchurch, that would also protect the environment of the Marlborough Sounds. As a Te Reo speaker and member of the Maori Affairs committee, Greg then provided valuable insights into Crown/Maori relationships, that represent the greatest area of divergence between parties.
Fortunately there is universal agreement on the need to complete Treaty settlements, which allow iwi to turn their eyes from history to the future – and Greg believes that the current sticking point of sovereignty can be overcome by using the term tino rangatiratanga, to achieve in the North the arrangement between government and iwi that has worked so well elsewhere.
Greg is optimistic that retiring Labour MP Peeni Henare, will become a pivotal leader in that settlement. He cited the success of Ngai Tahu in relieving pressure on the government – and that tino rangatiratanga is about communities looking after themselves. Greg sees Treaty settlements as investments, delivering an incredible rate of return – but knows that Cost of Living is always the decider of elections!