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Former Prime Minister Helen Clark has given her sign-off from New Zealand politics, delivering her valedictory speech in parliament.
Her valedictory speech ranged over her childhood, her early years in politics, Labour's 1984 election victory and its crushing defeat in 1990, and the 1999 campaign when she became prime minister.
Clark was in Parliament for 27 years, and on Wednesday she thanked many colleagues who had supported her over that time.
"There are always fair-weather friends in politics," she says.
"One knows one's true friends when they are still standing with you in the aftermath of defeat when the phone - and now the texts - have otherwise gone rather quiet."
Clark did not criticise anyone she had encountered during her career and she did not specify her finest moment.
But she did talk about "the nadir" of an opinion poll in the mid-1990s.
"It put Labour on 14% and me on 2% as preferred prime minister. It doesn't get much worse than that," she says.
"I am only surprised that concerned delegations of colleagues didn't beat a path to my door more often."
Clark's only reference to the policies of the current government was an oblique criticism of its decision to bring back knights and dames.
"I deeply detest social distinction and snobbery, and in that lies my strong aversion to titular honours," she says.
"To me they relate to another era, from which our nation has largely, but obviously not completely, freed itself."
The debating chamber and the public galleries were packed when Clark made her last speech.
Her 87-year-old father and Maori King Tuheitia Paki were there, along with many former politicians and friends.
Among the achievements she was proud of were the sustainability policies of her government, the settlement of Treaty of Waitangi claims, the "substantial acquisitions" for the conservation estate and work she did as minister of arts and culture - the portfolio she held while she was prime minister.
Her final words to Parliament were: "It has been a privilege to be a member of this House for 27 years and prime minister for nine years.
"I wish my successor Phil Goff and the Labour team all the best for the next election and I wish New Zealanders well for what are undoubtedly challenging times ahead."
MPs gave her a long standing ovation and Prime Minister John Key was one of the first to say goodbye.
Labour MP Nanaia Mahuta wrapped Clark in a traditional Maori
feather cloak, and she left through the lobbies.
Read Helen Clark's
valedictory speech here
What do you think is Helen Clark's legacy? Have your say on our message board below.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentNZ#1 said on 2009-04-08 @ 18:29 NZDT: Report abusive post
She is such an inspiration!!!! Good Luck on your new post Helen!!
Pietro said on 2009-04-08 @ 18:03 NZDT: Report abusive post
I would have liked Ms Clark to have stayed her elected period and serve those her voted for her. Suppose it is not the same when you can't call all the shots. I think Helen was a bit of a one man band - those left in Labour don't seem to be able to step up. John Key appears to be a lot better leader - he listens, consults, decides and acts. Helen would have been difficult to work with.
sachin23 said on 2009-04-08 @ 17:52 NZDT: Report abusive post
Vulgarian, you seem so angry about alot of things. Blaming everything on Helen Clark won't make it better, you'll find something (probably non existent) that John Key does to annoy you... shame really... Helen Clark was the best thing to happen to NZ in the last 25 years
Vulgarian said on 2009-04-08 @ 15:16 NZDT: Report abusive post
You've got to be kidding. Given the massive increase in New Zealanders relying on some sort of welfare or tax credit (thinly disguised welfare) and the significant difficulties faced by the average kiwi worker in owning a home these days, I for one, won't be celebrating any aspect of the Clark government. I take it back, I will celebrate the Clark government by taking my family to dinner at McDonalds where we can wade through the condoms in the carpark from the now legal street prostitutes.
thewhaanga said on 2009-04-08 @ 11:50 NZDT: Report abusive post
I miss her voice... (am in Perth, don't get NZ news on TV)