Plea for regions

Press, 23 September 1987, Page 8

Plea for regions

PA Wellington A new member, Mr Harry Duynhoven (Labour, New Plymouth), picked by the Government to begin Parliament’s traditional opening debate because he represents a provincial electorate, made a strong plea for the regions 'in his maiden speech last evening.

“New Zealanders must recognise that the regions are vitally important and that provincial areas must continue to have a high profile in the affairs of Government,” he said at the start of Parliament’s Address-in-Reply debate.

“The basis of New Zealand’s overseas income comes from agricultural and horticultural products. While the major cities prosper, we must not forget that our primary products are the source of our wealth. “While no doubt the glamour and attractiveness of our cities command our attention, we must remember that every country has its backbone and New Zealand’s strength comes from our regions.” Mr Duynhoven’s speech moving the address-in-

reply was seconded by Ms Jenny Kirk (Labour, Birkenhead). In her maiden speech, Ms Kirk paid tribute to the many voluntary groups in New Zealand which gave people counselling services, information and training courses,, and helped with housing and health needs. Voluntary groups were generally staffed -by women, whose work and, worth in monetary value' was probably worth millions of dollars, but whose status was undervalued, and who received almost no recognition. “The work they do involves organisation, taking classes, counselling, offering support, providing practical help in transport, shopping services, child care, ” Ms Kirk said. Women developed skills in business administration, disputes mediation, people management and public speaking. ’ ?

But when women went to move into the ‘paid work force that know- . ledge and skill were-often downgraded, and they were not given deserved recognition in either job opportunities or wages, she said.