Claudette Hauiti has paid tribute to her “beautiful wife” and children and spoken of her passion for tolerance, compassion and diversity in her maiden speech to Parliament. “To my beautiful wife Nadine: for 25 years you have given me unreserved love and three beautiful tamariki,” she said Hauiti also mentioned the strength and courage she has garnered from the takataapui community. “Thanks to the takataapui community I bring to this House and my Government strength of courage to overcome adversity, tolerance in the face of rejection, acceptance where there is love. And an ability to recognise diversity as being the fabric that makes up this young beautiful nation.” The new National MP also thanked Labour MP Louisa Wall for introducing the ultimately successful marriage equality legislation into the House. Wall was among those to offer a hug of congratulations after the speech.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 12th June 2013 - 6:02pm