@ the first Tamil Pongal celebration at Parliament tonight with Hon Michael Wood and Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan MP. Favourite moment? There were many but this collaborative dance item, weaving together kapa haka dancers together with traditional Tamil dancers. *awesome*

Aotearoa New Zealand 🇳🇿 calls on all actors to immediately cease human rights and humanitarian law violations in #Tigray and for #Ethiopia to enable unfettered and safe access for humanitarian organisations.

The crisis in Afghanistan has been front of mind these last several months. In addition to millions in aid provided to support those on the ground Phil Twyford & our exec have been actively working to protect the voices of some of Afghanistans human rights defenders in acute risk

Solidarity isn’t a sentiment it’s a verb. Officials walking out of the UNHRC meeting as the Russian statement played is powerful.Proud of our swift response with PM and Minister Mahuta putting in place first sanctions, committing aid and further sanctions under consideration

A privilege to speak at third reading on the “Contraception, Sterilisation, and Abortion (Safe Areas) Amendment Bill - Third Reading - Video 11” by NZ Parliament on #Vimeo vimeo.com/688726736

I reinstalled my twitter app to - Congrats Priyanca R MP & @ Ayesha Verrall for your significant new responsibilities announced today. Labour’s ethnic caucus are *incredibly* proud both of your work thus far and next steps in these significant portfolios.

Pleased to announce 🇳🇿 is contributing $800,000 to UNICEF Sri Lanka to provide urgent help to Sri Lankan children who have been badly impacted by the country’s economic crisis. #manaakitanga

What happens when a right is effectively unavailable for use?There’s a renewed call to action to reproductive rights activists. There are no borders when it comes to solidarity in this important space. To those advocating for safe reproductive healthcare rights worldwide kia kaha

Yesterday was a truly significant day for Sri Lanka. I hope as the country wakes, all heads and hearts will be focused on the peaceful steps needed to be taken from here to restore stability and secure the economic support so desperately needed. bbc.com/news/world-asi…

Went off twitter for a bit to work the diplomatic field. Result:IPUparliament adopted resolution condemning #Russia for annexation, war crimes and food crisis. Big thanks to dream team Rojo Edwards Senador RM 🇨🇱 Michelle Rempel Garner 🇨🇦 and Vanushi Walters 🇳🇿 and values champion IPUPresident

🇳🇿 encourages diplomacy and dialogue, as key to understanding and working towards peaceful enduring solutions. Meeting with Zin Mar Aung was an opportunity to hear NUG perspectives and discuss possible pathways to a sustainable democratic future for Myanmar. #kotahitanga

Heavy rain has hit much of the upper North Island, causing some disruption. The impacts are being managed locally but I’m being kept updated by NEMA, which is monitoring the situation. I'd urge people to follow the advice of their local authorities and be really careful on roads

Assume that all flood water is contaminated. Wash hands, clothes, and property thoroughly after contact with flood waters. Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles

If you hear distant thunder or see a flash of lightning, get indoors immediately. For further information on what to do before, during and after severe weather go to: getready.govt.nz/en/emergency/s…

Aotearoa New Zealand 🇳🇿 deeply condemns the inhumane executions of Saleh Mirhashemi, Majid Kazemi, and Saeed Yaqoubi in Iran. These acts are a reprehensible violation of human rights. 🇳🇿 continues to deplore the death penalty. Our thoughts are with the victims' families.

I want to thank our EXISTING health workers for clearing surgical Waitlists: people waiting >365 days for surgery (non orthopaedic) down from 50,000 at the end of 2022 to 9383 on August 6. Labour isn’t waiting 6 years for National’s fantasy med school to deliver faster care.

Another joint statement #NZ hasn’t signed: it condemns the Israeli Govt’s latest approval for illegal settlements on #WestBank which are explicitly designed to thwart establishment of #Palestinian State. Australia, Canada, UK signed. Humiliating for NZ gov.uk/government/new…