October 25, 2009 8:11pm by David Farrar

Official descriptors for MPs

Last week I saw a report that there was now a register of official descriptors for MPs. I could not find it on the Parliamentary websie but a kind journalist sent me a copy, which I have uploaded – Register of Descriptors – Final.

There has always been tension over how List MPs describe themselves, as in some cases the terms they have used makes it sound like they are the electorate MP. So (for example) a List MP can not claim to be the “List MP for Wellington Central” or “Green MP for Wellington Central” but can claim to be a “Wellington List MP” etc.

Anyway Lockwood has decided to regularise it, and get each MP to submit all the possible descriptors they want to use, so they are all approved in advance. This is very sensible as it means no argy-bargy later on.

Here are some of the more interesting descriptors:

Catherine Delahunty List member based in Thames; MP Thames; Green List MP Thames;

I didn’t know Delahunty was Thames based, as Jeanette is based there also. Weird to have two List MPs in the same town.

Sue Kedgley, Auckland Green Party List MP; Green List MP Auckland

Could have sworn Sue was in Wellington, but maybe she has been exiled to Auckland since Russel became an MP.

Russel Norman MP; Russel Norman Green Party Co Leader; Green List MP Wellington South

Just Wellington South?

Jacinda Ardern Labour Member of Parliament, Labour List MP, part of the Bay Labour Team

The Bay Labour Team? Sounds like a relay race team!

Brendon Burns Christchurch Central Labour MP working in Marlborough, Labour MP working in Marlborough

Pretty unusual to have an electorate MP have responsibilities for an area so far from his electorate, especially when there is a List MP so close by.

Hon Maryan Street, Labour List MP, Working in the Nelson
Region; Labour List MP working in the Selwyn Region

So Maryan has to look after both Nelson and mid to south canterbury. Again would have thought more sensible to have her do all the top of the south island and one of the many Chch MPs look after Selwyn.