OPINION: Mark this week down as the week Parliament grew up, maturing beyond petty politics and personal divisions to put New Zealand and indeed the planet first.
I note Winston Peters was otherwise engaged this week.
Congratulations must go to Greens Co-Leader James Shaw for his ability to get almost unanimous support for his Carbon Zero Bill which will become law after National voted with the Government, so congratulations to Simon Bridges too, for being constructive, modern and green.
It left only ACT's David Seymour on Donald Trump's Christmas card list for opposing these measures to combat climate change.
- Insults fly at Zero Carbon Bill reading as MP takes shot at 'obnoxious' Shane Jones
- Government announces Zero Carbon Bill details for fighting climate change
National's support though comes despite opposing much of the Bill. It thinks it's too hard on farmers.
Judith Collins called it "deeply flawed" and the party pledged to change it should it take office next year.
But National had to give a toss about the future otherwise it would have looked like a Neanderthal.
This new law backs up the international Paris agreement for all countries to reduce emissions.
National signed up to Paris when it was in Government so it could hardly walk away four years later when Paris came to Wellington to say "let's do this".
National has made it clear it wants to make changes though to help farmers.
That will be its right should it win the election. But I note New Zealand First blocked every amendment National tried to make. Compromise surely must happen from both sides, not just one.
Can Winston put petty personal disputes to one side for the greater good of the planet?
I doubt it. Not this week - probably not ever.
If we are to beat this problem then we must do so together by including everyone. Factions and divisions will mean trust goes out the window and no one wins.
At worst it will hasten the destruction of our economy, our environment, and ultimately our planet.
Compromise is king. Long live the planet Earth.
Duncan Garner is a host of The AM Show.
