Marilyn Waring Has A Mind Of Her Own — And Intends... (Press, 27 February 1979)

Marilyn Waring, the National Party Member of Parliament for Waipa, is known for her strong-willed and independent approach to her role in Parliament. In an interview, she expressed her ambivalence about her position, indicating that while she has the freedom to leave, she feels a responsibility to stay, particularly in light of the support she received from her electorate in the previous election. Waring is also acutely aware of the under-representation of women in Parliament and the need to advocate for their interests. Waring recently received unexpected news of her appointment as chair of the Public Expenditure Committee, a role she views as an opportunity to represent individual rights rather than the interests of the political system or her party. Despite acknowledging that all politicians must compromise, she holds firm on certain issues, particularly concerning the representation of women and youth in political discourse. She is critical of excessive spending in areas such as legal abortion procedures and sees her role as a chance to bring attention to issues that matter to the public. Waring is often seen as a representative for both genders on Parliamentary committees due to her youth and gender, and she fosters a strong collaborative atmosphere with other MPs. She indicates that women in Parliament often unite across party lines to support one another, contrasting this with the attitudes of some male colleagues who may dismiss their contributions. Additionally, Waring's candid remarks highlight her frustration with the male-dominated nature of Parliament, suggesting that it limits the quality of representation. She notes that the recruitment practices in Parliament do not guarantee quality candidates and raises concerns about women's reluctance to engage in politics due to its overwhelming male influence. In discussing her position, Waring expresses doubts about whether the under-representation of women can be resolved naturally over time. She compares contemporary feminist movements to historical suffragette efforts, indicating that progress has been slow since those early days. Waring argues that for real change to occur, more women must assert themselves and take active roles within the political framework, rather than simply maintaining the status quo. Looking forward, Waring is enthusiastic about the upcoming Waikato Women’s Convention, for which she is one of the co-coordinators. Her active involvement in organising this event reflects her commitment to empowering women and advocating for their increased participation in decision-making processes. As she navigates her parliamentary role, her perseverance to represent and amplify women's voices remains a significant focus of her political agenda.

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