Production Details: 000988_MIX_grant_robertson.wav

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irn3792
master_filename000988_MIX_grant_robertson.wav
master_md582CB27BC291B669B18DA386649BA93BD
master_duration55:17
master_sample_rate44.1 kHz
master_bit_depth16 bit
master_channels1
media_reference000988
media_sourcePrideNZ.com
copyright_positionIn copyright
copyright_ownershipGareth Watkins (PrideNZ.com)
copyright_ownership_note
submitted_to_nlnz23-05-2024
public_urlhttps://www.pridenz.com/grant_robertson_on_his_retirement_as_an_mp.html
meta_urlhttps://www.pridenz.com/data/media/meta/3792.html
plain_text_urlhttps://www.pridenz.com/plaintext/grant_robertson_on_his_retirement_as_an_mp.txt
production_date02-04-2024
production_day02
production_month04
production_year2024
recording_typeInterview
seriesRainbow Politicians
sub_series
titleGrant Robertson - on his retirement as an MP
descriptionAt the time of his retirement from national politics, Grant Robertson reflects on his time in Parliament. Grant began working at Parliament in 2001, before becoming a Member of Parliament in 2008. He would go on to become the Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister. Grant retired from national politics in March 2024.
summary_computer_generatedGrant Robertson's retirement from his role as a Member of Parliament marks a significant moment in New Zealand's political landscape. In an intimate and reflective interview with Gareth Watkins, conducted in the Parliament buildings on 2nd April 2024, Robertson shares insights into his multifaceted career, the emotional complexities of leaving a position that has been central to his life for over two decades, and his contributions as a prominent Rainbow politician. Beginning his journey in Parliament in 2001 and officially becoming an MP in 2008, Robertson's career saw him rise to prominent positions including Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister, before retiring in March 2024. Throughout the interview, Robertson elucidates on the mixed emotions accompanying his departure from a role that defined much of his adult life, highlighting both the excitement for future endeavors at Otago University and the sadness of leaving behind a career filled with significant achievements and personal growth. Robertson's reflections on his entry into politics are deeply personal and grounded in a history of political engagement within his family. His narrative weaves through his early interest in politics, spurred by household discussions on current affairs and a lineage that included political involvement, to his active participation in student politics at university. This background laid the foundation for his eventual role in national politics, where he would contribute significantly to the Rainbow community and broader societal progress. The interview delves into the transformative period of the 1980s through the 2020s, highlighting Robertson's perspectives on the monumental social changes and legislative advancements for the Rainbow community in New Zealand. His personal connection to key moments in Rainbow legislation, including his memories of the Homosexual Law Reform and his active involvement in supporting subsequent rights advancements, provides a unique lens into the evolution of social acceptance and legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in the country. Robertson recounts his experiences with the challenges and triumphs of being a Rainbow politician, offering insights into the intersection of personal identity and public service. His discussion extends to the broader shifts in societal attitudes towards the Rainbow community, emphasizing the progress made and the continuous need for vigilance and advocacy to protect and advance these gains. As Robertson reflects on his career, he underscores the importance of visibility, resilience, and the collective effort in achieving social change. His anticipation of taking on a new role at Otago University speaks to his ongoing commitment to contribute to society, albeit in a different capacity.
interviewerGareth Watkins
voicesGrant Robertson
tagsgay; intersex; transgender; 1980s; 1990s; 2000s; 2010s; 2020s; acceptance; celebrant; church; civil unions; community sport; COVID-19 (coronavirus); diversity; education; equality; Evangelical Christianity; expungement; free speech; gay panic defence; hate crime; homosexual law reform; homosexual law reform petition; hope; inclusive guidelines in sport; inclusive space; marriage equality; MMP (mixed-member proportional electoral system); picnic; politics; Posie Parker counter protest; Presbyterian; provocation defence; rugby; sex work; soccer; social media; sport; tolerance; Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminism (TERF); vigilance; visibility; Wellington Central electorate; Casper's Bar and Cafe; Civic Square / Te Ngākau; Hagley Park; Parliament buildings; Rainbow Room; University of Otago; Aotearoa New Zealand; Blenheim; Carterton District; Christchurch; Dunedin; Otago; Wellington; ARISE Church; Burnett Foundation Aotearoa; Destiny Church; Icebreakers; Internet MANA; Krazy Knights (Wellington rugby team); National Party; New Zealand AIDS Foundation (NZAF); New Zealand First; New Zealand Labour Party; Rainbow Labour Caucus; Rainbow Youth; UniQ; Civil Union Act (2004); Criminal Records (Expungement of Convictions for Historical Homosexual Offences) Act 2018; Homosexual Law Reform Act (1986); Prostitution Reform Act (2003); Springbok rugby tour (1981); Alf Kaiwai; Amy Satterthwaite; Ashraf Choudhary; Barney Frank; Bill Logan; Brian Donnelly; Brian Tamaki; Campbell Johnstone; Charles Allan Aberhart; Charles Chauvel; Chris Carter; Denis Aberhart; Des Smith; Douglas Jenkin; Georgina Beyer; Glen Bennett; Grant Robertson; Harvey Milk; Helen Clark; John Jolliff; Kerry Price; Lea Tahuhu; Malcolm Kennedy-Vaughan; Mani Bruce Mitchell; Maryan Street; Matt Soeberg; Posie Parker; Ramon Maniapoto; Scott Kennedy; Shanan Halbert; Tim Barnett; TJ Perenara; Tom Daley
tags_computer_generatedlesbian; sexuality; profile; organisation; Youth; media; sex; stereotypes; health; activism; history; Homosexual Law Reform; homophobia; family; 1950s; coming out; Auckland; straight; law; police; support; Out Loud; writing; crime; social; 1930s; hate speech; growing up; Australia; elders; unions; marriage; school; parents; friends; death; documentary; community; Marriage Equality; Coming Up; language; prison; women; representation; MMP; funding; internet; painting; love; prejudice; queer; grandparents; government; leadership; civil rights; boundaries; homosexual; values; wedding; gender; mana; hate; spaces; passing; Campaign for Civil Unions; rainbow; Israel; building; faggot; safety; social change; university; parties; Stuff; news; fun; fag; memorial; swimming; running; change; conservative; advice; cricket; protest; power; trans; courage; understanding; career; meetings; attack; Member of Parliament; agenda; mainstream; struggle; walking; feelings; race; arrest; individual; other; macho; letter; email; conversation; connect; rally; youth group; tension; review; listening; wisdom; soul; strength; work; vote; face; blood; resilience; success; emotional; Grand Hall; environment; Job; football; coffee; student politics; petition; select committee; mayor; records; touch; Rainbow flag; the other side; tennis; Tamaki; People; Events; audience; legislation; journey; speech; time; Marion Street; sad; Cameron Law; movement; period; seat; election; valedictory speech; secret
location_nameParliament buildings
location1 Molesworth Street
broader_locationWellington
location_lat-41.27788120419163
location_long174.77684170134955
precise_localitytrue