July 22, 2014 11:00am by David Farrar

Tau’s Twitter valedictory

Tau Henare tweeted yesterday an online valedictory. You can see it all here. Some highlights:

Some stuff I did in 15 years as MP, $15 million for Maori Language
Was part of turning around National to see that Independance was good for #EastTimor
Funded the innovative housing programme for Ngai Tai, great scheme, Eastern BoP
The biggest thanks go to my #Wife. For all the shit you put up with both from me and politics. Love you forever and beyond.
Returned some of our Ancestors from their “trip” to England
Invited French Prim Minister to #APEC, forgot they weren’t part of #APEC
My words to French PM, “ill see you in Auckland for APEC, he said But we are not members, I said “Well you should be”
Was intrdcd to DukeofEd, he asked what I did, I explained to him that I was a list MP, he sd “Oh one of those that don’t do anything” I said Yeah just like you, he laughed out loud. #CheekyBugger but very well informed lol
I passed the #TeAhoMatua Kura Kaupapa Maori Philosophy/Guiding principles into Legislation. 1st time ever a philosophy passed into Law
Met Clinton and gave him a #Toki I told him it was used for dispatching enemies. He said he would have it in the #OvalOffice ready to use.
Intorduced Maori Reserved Land Legislation, 1st part of getting rid of Glasgow type leases on Maori Land.
Chaired the Maori Affairs Select Committee for 6 years. The most bi-partisan com in Prlmnt. A ton of Treaty Legislation. Big thanks to mbrs.
Got booted from the House 7 times in one year. #OOPS
Apologies to anyone Ive offended over 15 years, some need to harden up, Ive only got 140 characters so no space for all. lol
Are #Cleaners worth $20 bucks an hour ? Well yes and I should have said so, my bad.
Ive given up smoking 6 times in 15 years or since 1993. #Valedictory I was never a great boozer. I was always on time except once.
I turned up to a #marae one day early, when the kuuia asked me what I was doing I sd I was just checking the route.
I hated door knocking. I once door knocked a house in the Hokianga, and there was a tangi on, they invited me in. Was from Sth Auck, algood.
My first day on the job and I had a run in with Jim Anderton, Grrrr blamed me personally for the unemployment prob in the North ? He was Pissed off I got the trip to East Timor and he didn’t. Old coot I thought. Still do.
That infamous fight with @TrevorMallard, wasn’t much. 2 old testosterone filled eggs.
I never hated anyone in the House. apart from nah. lol They all good.
A big shout out to #Parekura where ever he is. Miss you chief.
The best thing about the Sth Island National Party supporters is man they can bake.
I think I would’ve made a good speaker, nothing flash and wldve changed the rule book somewhat. I don’t hold grudges (MaoriParty)
I once presented a carved waka to the Captain Cook Museum in Middlesborough. I was just about to ask where he was buried. Then I remembered.
Well thats about it. To Parliament and the Country, thanks for having me. Goodbye and Good Luck. Nga manaakitanga ki a kotou katoa.