Marriage of Speaker

Mr Speaker, I wonder whether I might take a moment, on behalf of this side of the House, to offer you and Alexandra our very, very best wishes for your forthcoming wedding on 4 July. I do not think a Speaker has got married during his time in the Chair, in the history of the New Zealand Parliament; certainly, there has not been a celebration of this type by a Speaker during his time in the Chair. I would also like to congratulate you on choosing 4 July for the occasion. It will ensure there are fireworks somewhere in the world to celebrate that particular day! We offer you our very, very best wishes for your future life with Alexandra. We wish her all the best. She knows what she is taking on with you, and she is a lucky woman, as you are a lucky man. With that regard, we give you our very best wishes and we hope you enjoy your day.

Mr Speaker, the Opposition could not let this opportunity go without joining with the Government in wishing you and Alexandra a very joyful wedding with your family and friends. I hope that you are able to hear the vows on Saturday, and that you will be over your flu. We hope you have a very long and happy marriage. On behalf of the Opposition, best wishes from all of us.

💬 Mr SPEAKER: Honourable members, I thank you most sincerely. I feel very humbled. The Hon Annette King mentioned my health problem. My ears are still terrible; I have 2 days to get them right. I hope that by Saturday morning I can hear. I thank honourable members very much. I feel very humbled.