Grant Robertson and Charles Chauvel Fellow gay MPs are paying tribute to their departing colleague Charles Chauvel as someone who has made an enormous contribution to New Zealand. Chauvel is taking up a post with the United Nations next month, leaving Parliament after a political career of more than six years. Rainbow Labour colleague and his party’s deputy leader Grant Robertson says Chauvel has been a tireless campaigner for the rights and dignity of Rainbow communities. “He joined the Labour Party at 15 because of wanting to promote the Homosexual Reform Bill, and he has not let up since then,” he says. “He has one of the sharpest legal minds of anyone I have met, and when combined with his strong sense of social justice he is a powerful advocate. “We will miss his skills, and the principled stances that he has taken and led in the party. I wish him well for the future, I have no doubt he will do a superb job on the world stage.” Louisa Wall says while she will lose a friend, colleague and a fellow champion of our LGBTI community, she is excited for Charles and the fact that he has secured a permanent position within the United Nations Development Programme to continue the international work he has done on New Zealand's behalf during his time as an MP. “It is always important to pursue ones passions and to fully utilise all the skills and knowledge one has and Charles has a lot to contribute within the context of international development and democratic governance. “I extend my very best wishes to Charles and will watch with interest his progression in his new role. He will be missed as a valued member of our Labour team and I thank him and his partner Dave for their commitment to the advancement of Labour values and principles. “Safe travels, arohanui." Gay Green MP Kevin Hague has known Chauvel since they worked together to add sexual orientation and HIV status as grounds on which discrimination is prohibited, more than 20 years ago. “He has made an enormous contribution to our communities in New Zealand both inside and outside Parliament, and in his new role will be able to build on the great work he has been doing internationally. I wish him the very best, and offer him my support for the future.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 19th February 2013 - 2:53pm