I've always been fascinated by events in history specially the people who made history. Sometimes I feel like I was born to late, yearning for the times of yesteryear's. In this light, I've decided to ask people this question: name three people, dead or alive, you'll like to have dinner with, and why? I hope for us to get a better glimpse of what makes them human.
Tim MacIndoe, MP (National Party)
A: Mahatma Gandhi---his personal life, experiences and example have always moved me. My paternal grandmother. She died before I was born and I'd love to have known her and to ask about my father as a child, etc. C.S. Lewis---a humble, intelligent and faithful man. His books are always worth reading.
Sue Moroney, MP (Labour Party)
A: I would love to get Lorde, Helen Clark and Kate Sheppard together in a room. They are pioneering Kiwi women and I would enjoy the conversation. It would be interesting to see the similarities and differences between the woman who fought for the right for women to vote and the 17-year-old modern day self-proclaimed feminist.
David Bennett, MP (National Party)
A: I am intrigued by history so would choose some historical figures to see what made them tick, namely Queen Victoria and Abraham Lincoln. Also, I would like to have dinner with Barack Obama to make some suggestions for the future.
Jacinda Ardern, MP (Labour Party)
A: Earnest Shackleton, the Antarctic explorer and one of my heroes! His story of survival during the Endurance expedition is amazing and I would love to hear it in person. Nelson Mandela. I was lucky enough to meet him a few years ago. What an amazing man. And finally, Wislawa Szymborska. She is a Polish poet. She lived through World War Two, and went on to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. Her writing is amazing, but I would love to hear her stories in person!
Nikki Kaye, MP (National Party)
A: Hillary Clinton - to try and understand one of the most competent, female, political leaders. My Uncle Hamish who died before I was born - so I could meet the man that died so young, did so much and continues to be adored by everyone in my family. Forever loved. Elvis - it would be a great fun dinner with wonderful soul music and good Southern food.
Brendan Horan, MP (NZ Independent Coalition)
A: First would be Da Vinci, to discuss his theories and genius to draw his thoughts on where we are today. Then Moses cause it would be great to move water like that. Then my father so we could have time to say goodbye.
Phil Goff, MP (Labour Party)
A: Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi and Ed Hillary because they were all people with great achievements but real humility who worked hard to make life better for other people. Actually I did have dinner several times with Ed Hillary when we were together on a visit to Antarctica in 2007.
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| Jacinda Ardern, MP |
A couple of weeks ago, I was in Auckland, specifically at the Mt. Albert campus of Unitec. I was there as one of the panelists in the Ethnic Media Forum organised by Unitec's Department of Communication Studies. My talk focused on the diversity of programmes on the radio. There were panelists and attendees from academe, media industry, NGOs, government, ethnic communities, and one of them, who sat right behind me was Jacinda Ardern. I had the privilege of conducting a Q&A with her a couple of months ago (which appeared in an older blog). I would like to re post it here.
Jacinda is your Labour List MP based in Auckland Central. Young, dynamic, positive and may I say very pretty, although I haven't met her personally, Jacinda is what the future of New Zealand should be. Her current parliamentary roles are: Member (Law & Order Committee), Spokesperson for Children, Corrections, Police, and Arts, Culture & Heritage. Jacinda took time from her busy schedule to kindly answer my Q&A. She is one of the shining lights in Parliament. New Zealand's future is in safe hands with Jacinda in the House!
Q: What is your proudest achievement up to this moment?
A: I am proud to be a member of the Labour Party, but being elected to Parliament represent a movement with such a long proud history was a real honour. I do still wish my Nana was alive to share the moment. She was a staunch Labour lady!
Q: Name three people, dead or alive, you'll like to have dinner with, and why?
A: Earnest Shackleton, the Antarctic explorer and one of my heroes! His story of survival during the Endurance expedition is amazing and I would love to hear it in person. Nelson Mandela. I was lucky enough to meet him in person a few years ago. What an amazing man. And finally, Wislawa Szymborska. She is a Polish poet. She lived through World War Two, and went on to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. Her writing is amazing, but I would love to hear her stories in person!
Q: Are you a cat or dog person, and why?
A: I have always loved dogs but was never allowed one, so I grew up with cats and love them too. Can I be both? Right now, I would be a better cat owner than a dog owner. I am never home!
Q: Where in NZ is the place you can call as your sanctuary, and why?
A: Morrinsville. It's where I grew up and my mum and dad still have a home there. It's a lovely quiet place to go and recharge, and see my mum!
Q: Something not many people know about you.
A: The first thing I ever learned to drive was a bright red Massey Ferguson tractor. Which I crashed.
Q: If you could travel back in time, where and when would it be, and why?
A: Can I have two? The 60s and 70s to witness Beatlemania, and the era of the first Labour government. Savage is every Labour MPs hero, and I love the legacy that government left behind.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: To be a good MP, daughter and friend.
There you have it ladies and gentlemen, our very own Jacinda Ardern, MP "Standing up not only for Auckland Central but more for New Zealand." And may I add that at the forum she listened more to the speakers and the talks rather than dominate the conversation like some politicians I know of.
