aotearoa | networking women in politics

Power point presentation to the Pacific Regional Workshop onAdvancing Women’s Representation in Parliaments
Hon. Nanaia Mahuta, Minister of Customs, Minister of Youth Affairs

Rarotonga, Cook Islands
19 – 21 April, 2006

Purpose

• Network


• Share Experience


• Develop Understanding


• Contribute to Broader Goal


• Increased Women’s participation

Context – NZ Perspective

• From FPP to MMP


• NZ a more diverse population


• Age


• Gender


• Culture


• Communities


• Public discourse - referendum


• 1996 first MMP election

Context – NZ Perspective

• International Obligations


• Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (Fourth World Conference on Women 1995)


• CEDAW


• New Zealand Response

Agenda for Women

• Action Plan for NZ Women


• Launched March 2004


• Improving the circumstances for women


• Objectives: Economic Sustainability, Work Life Balance, Well-Being


• Measurable outcomes


• Implementation responsibility of CE’s for key Govt agencies


• Women’s Affairs to monitor progress

Agenda for Women
Aotearoa/NZ will be an equitable,
inclusive and sustainable society
where all women can achieve
their aspirations and in addition,
Maori women as tangata whenua,
can progress the aspirations
of their whanau, hapu and iwi.
Achievement of the Vision

• Equitable access to resources and opportunities


• Opportunity to choose and pursue a life path


• Full and active participation in society


• Adequate resources and support


• Freedom from discrimination


• Valuing women’s contribution to society

Making the Transition

• Young Parliamentarian


• Particular experience


• Constituent MP


• 4 General elections since 1996


• What have I learnt?


• What can I share?

Hard Yards

• If you think you can, you can!


• Relationships Matter


• Stay connected


• Be relevant


• Respond with intent


• Create allies

Hard Yards

• Don’t be afraid of conflict


• Front the hard issues


• Bridge the gap


• Be the solution


• Call Women to Action


• Cause/Issue


• Outcome Clear

Hard Yards

• Remember Politics IS Local

• Sometimes the end justifies the means

• First Time Voters


• A lasting experience


• A reason to vote

Hard Yards

• Planning for Action


• Start how you mean to go on


• Know your constituents


• Be Present, Be There


• Succession planning


• Electoral readiness


• Analyse


• Assess


• Action

Hard Yards

• Respect for others


• Relationships Matter


• Stay connected


• Be relevant


• Respond with intent


• Create allies

Finding A Balance

• The Whole Picture


• The Pacific Way