In my decade as director of the British Council in New Zealand and the Pacific, I was privileged to work around East Asia and Europe with some of the finest people I have known, advancing youth voice and women's rights, promoting access to justice and the rule of law, and setting up social enterprises and advocating for impact investing. I was employed by the British Government, so I know firsthand how Britain cherishes its relationship with New Zealand because of our common values. Now I'm a member of this House in another role that once again frequently takes me away from my whānau, and I thank them for their understanding and generosity.