These were the words with which Hēnare Hūtana, the Post Primary Teachers Association's kaumātua, sent me to this House. He told me that I do not stand as an individual; I stand here representing the people. So why do I stand? And what gives me the courage to take this stand? As a teacher of the arts for more than 20 years, I'm reminded every day that it is our artists, whether they be playwrights, songwriters, painters, carvers, or dancers, who have always been the ones to hold up a mirror to our society. They bring us joy; they bring us tears. They expose us to our own ugly underbelly, and they bring us hope. They give a voice to the voiceless. They send us away with another perspective. 