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'''Kushmiita Parmjeet Kaur Parmar''' (born 1970)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.parliament.nz/media/6305/roll-of-members-of-the-new-zealand-house-of-representatives-1854-onwards.pdf |title=Roll of members of the New Zealand House of Representatives, 1854 onwards |date=24 May 2019 |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |accessdate=3 September 2020}}</ref> is a New Zealand politician who was elected to the New Zealand parliament at the [[2014 New Zealand general election|2014 general election]] as a representative of the [[New Zealand National Party]] and became the first Indian-born woman to become a Member of the [[New Zealand Parliament]]. She was appointed as the Opposition Spokesperson for Research, Science and Innovation from 3 November 2017, and Statistics on 16 July 2020 and Opposition Associate Spokesperson for Economic Development on 12 March 2018. She was made the Chairperson of the Education and Workforce Select Committee in her second term from 14 May 2018 to until the end of that term and the Deputy Chairperson of the Transport and Industrial Relations Select Committee in her first term.
She was first elected as a Member of the [[New Zealand House of Representatives]] in the 2014 general election, representing the [[New Zealand National Party|National Party]]. After being deseated in the 2020 general election, Parmar changed allegiance to [[ACT New Zealand]] and was elected for that party in the [[2023 New Zealand general election|2023 general election]].
She returned to Parliament on the ACT list in the [[2023 New Zealand general election]].
Parmar is the first Indian woman to be elected to the New Zealand Parliament.
Parmar grew up in India where her father served in the [[Indian Air Force]]. She completed a master's in biochemistry in India and in 1995 moved to [[New Zealand]] to join her husband. At the [[University of Auckland]], she gained a PhD in neuroscience and the title of her 2003 doctoral thesis was ''Neuroserpin regulates neurite outgrowth in AtT-20 and PC12 cell lines''.<ref>{{cite thesis |last=Parmar |first=Parmjeet |year=2003 |type=Doctoral thesis |title=Neuroserpin regulates neurite outgrowth in AtT-20 and PC12 cell lines |publisher=ResearchSpace@Auckland, University of Auckland |hdl=2292/1074}}</ref> She then worked as a scientist. In 2007, Parmar and her husband became directors of confectionery company, Kiwi Empire Confectionery Limited.<ref>{{Cite web|title=KIWI EMPIRE CONFECTIONERY LIMITED (1967482) Registered|url=http://app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/co/1967482|website=New Zealand Companies Office}}</ref> She also worked as a current affairs and talkback host on [[Radio Tarana]], and accompanied former prime ministers [[Helen Clark]] and [[John Key]] on their official visits to India as a member of the press.<ref name=":2" /> The [[Minister for Social Development (New Zealand)|Minister of Social Development]], [[Paula Bennett]], appointed her to the board of the-then [[Superu|Families Commission]] in 2013.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Appointments to the Families Commission |url=https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2013-go3272 |date=30 May 2013 |journal=[[New Zealand Gazette]] |accessdate=3 August 2023}}</ref> She entered Parliament as a National [[list MP]] in 2014.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11756320|accessdate=17 December 2016|title=Military upbringing aids National candidate Parmjeet Parmar's Roskill fight|date=29 November 2016|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] }}</ref>
▲==Early life and career==
Parmar grew up in India where her father served in the [[Indian Air Force]]. She completed a master's in biochemistry in India and in 1995 moved to [[New Zealand]] to join her husband. At the [[University of Auckland]], she gained a PhD in neuroscience and the title of her 2003 doctoral thesis was ''Neuroserpin regulates neurite outgrowth in AtT-20 and PC12 cell lines''.<ref>{{cite thesis |last=Parmar |first=Parmjeet |year=2003 |type=Doctoral thesis |title=Neuroserpin regulates neurite outgrowth in AtT-20 and PC12 cell lines |publisher=ResearchSpace@Auckland, University of Auckland |hdl=2292/1074}}</ref> She then worked as a scientist.
In 2007, Parmar and her husband became directors of confectionery company, Kiwi Empire Confectionery Limited.<ref>{{Cite web|title=KIWI EMPIRE CONFECTIONERY LIMITED (1967482) Registered|url=http://app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/co/1967482|website=New Zealand Companies Office}}</ref> She also worked as a current affairs and talkback host on [[Radio Tarana]], and accompanied prime ministers [[Helen Clark]] and [[John Key]] on their official visits to India as a member of the press.<ref name=":2">{{cite web |date=29 November 2016 |title=Military upbringing aids National candidate Parmjeet Parmar's Roskill fight |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11756320 |accessdate=17 December 2016 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]}}</ref>
Parmar held two government appointments prior to becoming a politician. She was appointed as a community representative on the Film and Video Labelling Body in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Film and Video Labelling Body appointments {{!}} Beehive.govt.nz |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/film-and-video-labelling-body-appointments |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=www.beehive.govt.nz |language=en}}</ref> The following year, she was appointed to the board of the Families Commission (later [[Superu]]).<ref>{{cite journal |title=Appointments to the Families Commission |url=https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2013-go3272 |date=30 May 2013 |journal=[[New Zealand Gazette]] |accessdate=3 August 2023}}</ref>
In early 2014, Parmar was photographed wearing a National Party ribbon with John Key at an Auckland event. This fuelled rumors of that Parmar would run in that year's election as a National candidate, and led Labour MP [[Rajen Prasad]] (who was also a former chief Families Commissioner) to question whether it was appropriate for Parmar to remain on the Family Commission board.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 March 2014 |title=Families Commission questioned over political links |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9818868/Families-Commission-questioned-over-political-links |accessdate=9 May 2016}}</ref> When Parmar was eventually confirmed as a National candidate, she said she would resign from the board immediately.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=14 June 2014 |title=National selects Parmjeet Parmar as Mt Roskill candidate |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1406/S00189/national-selects-parmjeet-parmar-as-mt-roskill-candidate.htm?from-mobile=bottom-link-01 |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=www.scoop.co.nz}}</ref>
==Political career==
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In early 2014, Parmar was photographed wearing a National Party ribbon with John Key at an Auckland event. This led Labour MP [[Rajen Prasad]] to question whether it was appropriate for Parmar to remain as a commissioner for the [[Superu|Families Commission]], fuelled also by rumours of Parmar's potential of running as a candidate for the 2014 general election.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9818868/Families-Commission-questioned-over-political-links |title=Families Commission questioned over political links|date=12 March 2014 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]|accessdate=9 May 2016}}</ref>
Parmar contested the [[Mount Roskill (New Zealand electorate)|Mount Roskill]] electorate at the [[2014 New Zealand general election|2014 election]] and came second place after Labour's candidate [[Phil Goff]]. Ranked at 48 on National's party list, she was elected as a list MP. National, however, won the party vote in the electorate for the first time since the seat's formation.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Mt Roskill: Electoral Profile – New Zealand Parliament|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/electorate-profiles/electorate-profiles-data/document/DBHOH_Lib_EP_Mt_Roskill_Electoral_Profile/mt-roskill-electoral-profile|access-date=5 June 2020|publisher=[[New Zealand Parliament]]|language=en}}</ref> ▼
During the 2016 by-election and 2017 election, she again contested the seat of Mount Roskill, coming second to Labour's [[Michael Wood (New Zealand politician)|Michael Wood]], and was re-elected as a list MP.<ref name=":0" />
As a former Families Commissioner, she was a Member of the Social Services Select Committee.
Parmar was made the Deputy Chairperson of the Transport and Industrial Relations Select Committee later in the Parliamentary term.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Parmar, Parmjeet – New Zealand Parliament|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/former-members-of-parliament/parmar-parmjeet/|access-date=22 May 2021|website=www.parliament.nz|language=en}}</ref> She campaigned for bus stops to be sheltered, with the goal of making public transport more accessible to the elderly. Parmar also campaigned on improving public transport in the community and for more modes of transport to be made available in Mt Roskill.<ref>{{Cite web|date=23 November 2016|title=Safer routes for Mt Roskill families |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1611/S00452/safer-routes-for-mt-roskill-families.htm|access-date=22 May 2021|website=www.scoop.co.nz}}</ref>
Parmar’s Member’s Bill entitled the "Newborn Enrolment with General Practice Bill", was drawn and introduced in the House on 11 May 2017.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Newborn Enrolment with General Practice Bill – New Zealand Parliament|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/bills-and-laws/bills-proposed-laws/document/BILL_74075/newborn-enrolment-with-general-practice-bill|access-date=22 May 2021|website=www.parliament.nz|language=en}}</ref> The Bill, which proposed to require newborns to be enrolled with a general practice before the age of 6 months, passed its first reading and was referred to the Health Select Committee.<ref name=":3" />
=== Second term ===
Following the 2017 election, Parmar was appointed as the Shadow Minister for Research, Science and Innovation and Associate Shadow Minister for Economic Development and later as the Shadow Minister for Statistics.<ref name=":1" />
Parmar served as a member for the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Select Committee until she was made the Chairperson of the Education and Workforce Select Committee.<ref name=":1" />
She continued her campaign for local improvements of roads in Mt Roskill, and successfully campaigned for an accident-prone intersection to be converted to a roundabout.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Parmar|first=Parmjeet|date=14 September 2019|title=MP brings about improvement in Mount Roskill|work=Indian Newslink|url=https://www.indiannewslink.co.nz/mp-brings-about-improvement-in-mount-roskill/|access-date=22 May 2021}}</ref>
▲=== FirstNational termParty ===
Her Member's Bill "Newborn Enrolment with General Practice Bill" was reported back from the Select Committee in May 2018 and came before the House for a second reading, however was unsuccessful in progressing to a third reading, after the Labour-led Coalition Government pulled their support for the Bill.<ref>{{Cite web|date=8 May 2018|title=Govt to withdraw support for National's bill requiring newborns to be registered with GPs|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/103716475/govt-to-withdraw-support-for-nationals-bill-requiring-newborns-to-be-registered-with-gps|access-date=22 May 2021|website=Stuff|language=en}}</ref>
▲Parmar was announced as a National Party candidate in June 2014.<ref name=":1" /> She contested the [[Mount Roskill (New Zealand electorate)|Mount Roskill]] electorate at the [[2014 New Zealand general election|2014 election]] and came second place after Labour's candidate [[Phil Goff]]. Ranked at 48 on National's party list, she was elected as a list MP. National,Goff however,retired wonin the2016; partyParmar voteunsuccessfully contested Mount Roskill against Labour's [[Michael Wood (New Zealand politician)|Michael Wood]] in the electorate[[2016 forMount theRoskill firstby-election|subsequent timeby-election]], sinceand again at the seat's[[2017 formationNew Zealand general election|2017 general election]] were she was returned as a list MP.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Mt Roskill: Electoral Profile – New Zealand Parliament |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/electorate-profiles/electorate-profiles-data/document/DBHOH_Lib_EP_Mt_Roskill_Electoral_Profile/mt-roskill-electoral-profile |access-date=5 June 2020 |publisher=[[New Zealand Parliament]] |language=en}}</ref>
In her maiden speech of 28 October 2014, Parmar stated her values of "strong, caring families and communities, personal responsibility, and equal citizenship and opportunities" and set out her priorities for the science sector and small businesses.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Parmar, Parmjeet: Address in Reply - New Zealand Parliament |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/51HansS_20141028_00001026/parmar-parmjeet-address-in-reply |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=www.parliament.nz |language=en}}</ref> In her first term, during the final three years of the [[Fifth National Government of New Zealand|Fifth National Government]], Parmar was a member of the social services committee and transport and industrial relations committee.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Parmar, Parmjeet - New Zealand Parliament |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/members-of-parliament/parmar-parmjeet |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=www.parliament.nz |language=en}}</ref> In 2017, she was briefly deputy chair of the transport and industrial relations committee.<ref name=":5" />
Parmar drafted a second Member's Bill entitled the "Patents (Advancement Patents) Amendment Bill" which proposed to create a second-tier patent with lesser eligibility requirements and protection compared to the standard patent.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bill to introduce second-tier patent system drawn|url=http://www.voxy.co.nz/politics/5/307716|access-date=22 May 2021|website=www.voxy.co.nz|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Patents (Advancement Patents) Amendment Bill – New Zealand Parliament|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/bills-and-laws/bills-proposed-laws/document/BILL_77945/patents-advancement-patents-amendment-bill|access-date=22 May 2021|website=www.parliament.nz|language=en}}</ref> Parmar's bill was drawn from the ballot in April 2018 and subsequently attracted attention from local patent attorneys,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Second-tier patent system proposed for New Zealand|url=https://www.thelawyermag.com/nz/news/general/second-tier-patent-system-proposed-for-new-zealand/204622|access-date=22 May 2021|website=www.thelawyermag.com|language=en}}</ref> the software industry,<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 April 2018|title=Software industry to benefit under proposed patent law changes|url=https://www.nbr.co.nz/article/software-industry-benefit-under-proposed-patent-law-changes-vy-p-214469|access-date=22 May 2021|website=NBR|language=en}}</ref> and from overseas jurisdictions.<ref>{{Cite web|date=18 July 2018|title=New Zealand's proposed second-tier "Advancement" patent yet to advance|url=https://shelstonip.com/insights/briefings/new-zealands-proposed-second-tier-advancement-patent-yet-advance/|access-date=22 May 2021|website=Shelston IP|language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Same-same but different: Will the fate of second-tier patents be the same on both sides of the tasman?|url=https://www.griffithhack.com/ideas/insights/same-same-but-different-will-the-fate-of-second-tier-patents-be-the-same-on-both-sides-of-the-tasman/|access-date=22 May 2021|website=www.griffithhack.com|language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Summerfield|first=Mark|title=With Second-Tier Patent Rights in Retreat in Australia, Are They Making an 'Advancement' in New Zealand?|url=https://blog.patentology.com.au/2018/04/with-second-tier-patent-rights-in.html|access-date=22 May 2021|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=New Zealand to adopt the Innovation Patent 'baby' Australia is threatening to throw out with the bathwater?|url=https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-zealand-adopt-innovation-patent-baby-australia-throw-peter-caporn|access-date=22 May 2021|website=www.linkedin.com|language=en}}</ref> The Bill was ultimately unsuccessful at its first reading, as the Government did not support the Bill. ▼
Parmar’s member’s bill, the Newborn Enrolment with General Practice Bill, was introduced on 10 May 2017.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Newborn Enrolment with General Practice Bill – New Zealand Parliament|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/bills-and-laws/bills-proposed-laws/document/BILL_74075/newborn-enrolment-with-general-practice-bill|access-date=22 May 2021|website=www.parliament.nz|language=en}}</ref> The bill, which proposed to require newborns to be enrolled with a general practice before the age of 6 months, passed its first reading with support of all parties and was referred to the health committee.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 December 2017 |title=Newborn Enrolment with General Practice Bill — First Reading |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/HansS_20171213_073800000/event |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=www.parliament.nz |language=en}}</ref> At its second reading in mid-2018, the bill was voted down with members in the majority arguing that enrolment of newborns with general practices is already required without legislation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Newborn Enrolment with General Practice Bill — Second Reading - New Zealand Parliament |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/combined/HansDeb_20180627_20180627_32 |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=www.parliament.nz |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 May 2018 |title=Govt to withdraw support for National's bill requiring newborns to be registered with GPs |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/103716475/govt-to-withdraw-support-for-nationals-bill-requiring-newborns-to-be-registered-with-gps |access-date=22 May 2021 |website=Stuff |language=en}}</ref>
Parmar worked with a Mt Roskill local amenity, [[Stardome Observatory]], to help fix an issue that all Auckland Regional Amenities faced in regards to their financial reporting requirements. Parmar sponsored a Private Bill entitled the "Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Amendment Bill" and successfully gained the unanimous support of the House. The Bill received Royal Assent on 2 July 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Amendment Bill – New Zealand Parliament|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/bills-and-laws/bills-proposed-laws/document/BILL_91246/auckland-regional-amenities-funding-amendment-bill|access-date=22 May 2021|website=www.parliament.nz|language=en}}</ref> ▼
In her second term, when National formed the official opposition, Parmar was appointed the party's spokesperson for research, science and innovation from 2017 to 2020, as an associate spokesperson for economic development from 2018 to 2020, and as spokesperson for statistics in 2020.<ref name=":5" /> She was a member of the economic development, science and innovation committee from 2017 to 2018 and chair of the education and workforce committee from 2018 to 2020.<ref name=":5" /> As science and innovation spokesperson, Parmar advocated for more certainty of funding for fire research in light of [[2017 Port Hills fires|Port Hills]] and Nelson fires<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bushfires illustrate need to fund fire research – Parmjeet Parmar |url=http://www.voxy.co.nz/politics/5/355863 |access-date=22 May 2021 |website=www.voxy.co.nz |language=en}}</ref> and for financial security for Crown Research Institutes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Three state research institutes on watch amid funding concerns |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/three-state-research-institutes-on-watch-amid-funding-concerns/KSZXRLXKUGVKTILQWQ4HPSTMGE/ |access-date=22 May 2021 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref> She supported legislative change to enable gene-editing as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Comment: Time to modernise our Biotech laws |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-country/news/comment-time-to-modernise-our-biotech-laws/ASQOCBPWIJIMJD3SRLZIKPPYB4/ |access-date=22 May 2021 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=National would overhaul law governing gene editing |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/national-would-overhaul-law-governing-gene-editing/GPRVLLR464SSRAKYQAMBT5MEKA/ |access-date=22 May 2021 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref>
As a member of various inter-parliamentary associations during her second term she attended and spoke at national and international conferences including:
▲Parmar drafted a's second Membermember's Bill entitledbill, the "Patents (Advancement Patents) Amendment Bill ", was debated in August 2018. whichIt proposed to create a second-tier patent with lesser eligibility requirements and protection compared to the standard patent.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bill to introduce second-tier patent system drawn|url=http://www.voxy.co.nz/politics/5/307716|access-date=22 May 2021|website=www.voxy.co.nz|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Patents (Advancement Patents) Amendment Bill – New Zealand Parliament|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/bills-and-laws/bills-proposed-laws/document/BILL_77945/patents-advancement-patents-amendment-bill|access-date=22 May 2021|website=www.parliament.nz|language=en}}</ref> Parmar'sThe bill was drawn from the ballot in April 2018 and subsequently attracted attention from local patent attorneys,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Second-tier patent system proposed for New Zealand|url=https://www.thelawyermag.com/nz/news/general/second-tier-patent-system-proposed-for-new-zealand/204622|access-date=22 May 2021|website=www.thelawyermag.com|language=en}}</ref> the software industry,<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 April 2018|title=Software industry to benefit under proposed patent law changes|url=https://www.nbr.co.nz/article/software-industry-benefit-under-proposed-patent-law-changes-vy-p-214469|access-date=22 May 2021|website=NBR|language=en}}</ref> and from overseas jurisdictions .<ref>{{Cite web|date=18 July 2018|title=New Zealand's proposed second-tier "Advancement" patent yet to advance|url=https://shelstonip.com/insights/briefings/new-zealands-proposed-second-tier-advancement-patent-yet-advance/|access-date=22 May 2021|website=Shelston IP|language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Same-same but different: Will the fate of second-tier patents be the same on both sides of the tasman?|url=https://www.griffithhack.com/ideas/insights/same-same-but-different-will-the-fate-of-second-tier-patents-be-the-same-on-both-sides-of-the-tasman/|access-date=22 May 2021|website=www.griffithhack.com|language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Summerfield|first=Mark|title=With Second-Tier Patent Rights in Retreat in Australia, Are They Making an 'Advancement' in New Zealand?|url=https://blog.patentology.com.au/2018/04/with-second-tier-patent-rights-in.html|access-date=22 May 2021|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=New Zealand to adopt the Innovation Patent 'baby' Australia is threatening to throw out with the bathwater?|url=https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-zealand-adopt-innovation-patent-baby-australia-throw-peter-caporn|access-date=22 May 2021|website=www.linkedin.com|language=en}}</ref> The Billbut was ultimately unsuccessful at its first reading , as the Government did not support the Bill.
* 25th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum in Nadi, Fiji, from 15 to 19 January 2017. Parmar presented on developing regional and sub-regional strategies on combating non-communicable diseases.<ref>{{Cite web|title=New Zealand MPs work to ensure a peaceful and secure Asia-Pacific region – New Zealand Parliament|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/how-parliament-works/office-of-the-speaker/press-releases/new-zealand-mps-work-to-ensure-a-peaceful-and-secure-asia-pacific-region/|access-date=22 May 2021|website=www.parliament.nz|language=en}}</ref>
* Annual Westminster Seminar hosted by CPA United Kingdom at the British Houses of Parliament, 2019. Parmar presented as part of a session on "Pressures on Parliamentarians".<ref>{{Cite web|title=New Zealand MPs head to Commonwealth events aimed at strengthening parliaments – New Zealand Parliament|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/how-parliament-works/office-of-the-speaker/press-releases/new-zealand-mps-head-to-commonwealth-events-aimed-at-strengthening-parliaments/|access-date=22 May 2021|website=www.parliament.nz|language=en}}</ref>
* As a member of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, Parmar as the Chairperson of a Select Committee hosted a delegation of women Members of Parliament of the Republic of Fiji for a workshop.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Annual Review 2019/2020|url=https://issuu.com/theparliamentarian/docs/cwp_annual_review_2019_2020_final_single|access-date=22 May 2021|website=Issuu|language=en}}</ref>
▲Parmar worked with a Mt Roskill local amenity, [[Stardome Observatory]], to help fix an issue that all Auckland Regional Amenities faced in regards to their financial reporting requirements. Parmar sponsored a Privateprivate Bill entitledbill, the "Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Amendment Bill ", andwhich successfullywas gainedsupported theby unanimousall supportparties of the House. The Bill receivedand Royalbecame Assentlaw on 2 July 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Amendment Bill – New Zealand Parliament|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/bills-and-laws/bills-proposed-laws/document/BILL_91246/auckland-regional-amenities-funding-amendment-bill|access-date=22 May 2021|website=www.parliament.nz|language=en}}</ref>
In response to comments by [[New Zealand First]] MP [[Shane Jones]] in which he stated that immigrants that criticised immigration policies should 'catch the first plane home', Parmar sent a letter to Prime Minister [[Jacinda Ardern]] expressing her concerns.<ref name="arranged">{{Cite web|date=9 November 2019|title=Shane, you're wrong: National MP happily in an arranged marriage for 25 years|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/117293146/shane-youre-wrong-national-mp-happily-in-an-arranged-marriage-for-25-years|access-date=22 May 2021|website=Stuff|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=3 November 2019|title=Parmjeet Parmar writes to PM about Shane Jones|url=https://www.indiannewslink.co.nz/parmjeet-parmar-writes-to-pm-about-shane-jones/|access-date=22 May 2021|website=indiannewslink.co.nz|language=en-US}}</ref> On the 150th anniversary of [[Mahatma Gandhi]]'s birth, Parmar ran a petition for his statute to be installed in Auckland to acknowledge his legacy. At the time of launching her petition, she said "that a statue of Mahatma Gandhi is not just about India and New Zealand, and/or Indians in New Zealand, it is about honouring his legacy – the legacy that is ever lasting and is influencing civilised societies all around the world."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Honour the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi|url=https://www.indiannews.co.nz/allstories/mahatma-gandhi-petition|access-date=22 May 2021|website=The Indian News|language=en-US}}</ref> ▼
▲In response to comments by [[New Zealand First]] MP [[Shane Jones]] in which he stated that immigrants that criticised immigration policies should '"catch the first plane home ', " Parmar sent a letter to Prime Minister [[Jacinda Ardern]] expressing her concerns.<ref name="arranged">{{Cite web|date=9 November 2019|title=Shane, you're wrong: National MP happily in an arranged marriage for 25 years|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/117293146/shane-youre-wrong-national-mp-happily-in-an-arranged-marriage-for-25-years|access-date=22 May 2021|website=Stuff|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=3 November 2019|title=Parmjeet Parmar writes to PM about Shane Jones|url=https://www.indiannewslink.co.nz/parmjeet-parmar-writes-to-pm-about-shane-jones/|access-date=22 May 2021|website=indiannewslink.co.nz|language=en-US}}</ref> On the 150th anniversary of [[Mahatma Gandhi]]'s birth, Parmar ran a petition for his statute to be installed in Auckland to acknowledge his legacy. At the time of launching her petition, she said "that a statue of Mahatma Gandhi is not just about India and New Zealand, and/or Indians in New Zealand, it is about honouring his legacy – the legacy that is ever lasting and is influencing civilised societies all around the world."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Honour the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi|url=https://www.indiannews.co.nz/allstories/mahatma-gandhi-petition|access-date=22 May 2021|website=The Indian News|language=en-US}}</ref>
As shadow minister for Research, Science and Innovation, Parmar advocated for more certainty of funding for fire research in light of Port Hills and Nelson fires<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bushfires illustrate need to fund fire research – Parmjeet Parmar|url=http://www.voxy.co.nz/politics/5/355863|access-date=22 May 2021|website=www.voxy.co.nz|language=en}}</ref> and financial security for Crown Research Institutes.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Three state research institutes on watch amid funding concerns|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/three-state-research-institutes-on-watch-amid-funding-concerns/KSZXRLXKUGVKTILQWQ4HPSTMGE/|access-date=22 May 2021|website=NZ Herald|language=en-NZ}}</ref> Parmar also successfully advocated for scientific start-up companies not making any revenue to qualify for the wage-subsidy scheme that the Government had announced to help businesses during [[COVID-19 pandemic]], as the criteria were such that start-up scientific sector didn't initially qualify.<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 April 2020|title=No escape for NZ's tech sector as economy 'grinds to a halt'|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/120802004/no-escape-for-nzs-tech-sector-as-economy-grinds-to-a-halt|access-date=22 May 2021|website=Stuff|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=7 April 2020|title=More than two in five workers now being paid with government help|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/120873016/more-than-two-in-five-workers-now-being-paid-with-government-help|access-date=22 May 2021|website=Stuff|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=20 May 2020|title=Start-up companies need clarity on wage subsidy {{!}} Mirage News|url=https://www.miragenews.com/start-up-companies-need-clarity-on-wage-subsidy/,%20https://www.miragenews.com/start-up-companies-need-clarity-on-wage-subsidy|access-date=22 May 2021|website=www.miragenews.com|language=en-AU}}</ref> Furthermore, she advocated for funding to be awarded to the local scientific sector to invest in researching a COVID-19 vaccine.<ref>{{Cite web|date=26 April 2020|title=Let's Back Kiwi Scientists In Fight Against Covid-19 |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA2004/S00153/lets-back-kiwi-scientists-in-fight-against-covid-19.htm|access-date=22 May 2021|website=www.scoop.co.nz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Dr. Parmjeet Parmar: Scientific community key to Covid-19|url=https://www.magic.co.nz/home/news/2020/05/national-spokesperson-for-research--science-and-innovation---sci.html|access-date=22 May 2021|website=Magic|language=en}}</ref>
Parmar stoodwas againstdefeated changesin [[Mount Roskill (New Zealand electorate)|Mount Roskill]] at the [[Massey2020 University]]’sNew AlbanyZealand campusgeneral thatelection|2020 wouldelection]] resultand inthe aNational lossParty ofdid scientificnot jobswin andenough opportunitysupport for local studentshertostudyreturn scienceas degreea atlist the Albany campusMP.<ref>{{Cite web |titledate=Massey19 scienceOctober cuts:2020 National|title=Labour's MPred wantstide Govtsees toits stepparliamentary diversity increase in|url=https://www.nzheraldrnz.co.nz/nznews/political/massey428690/labour-sciences-cutsred-nationaltide-mpsees-wantsits-govtparliamentary-todiversity-step-in/GQP4FRVCVO2ZD4BGJNM3JC62LM/increase |access-date=22 May 2021 |website=NZRNZ Herald|language=en-NZnz}}</ref> She sought the National candidacy in Mount Roskill, [[Upper Harbour (New Zealand electorate)|Upper Harbour]], and [[Maungakiekie (New Zealand electorate)|Maungakiekie]] ahead of the [[2023 New Zealand general election|2023 general election]] but was not selected.<ref>{{Cite web |datelast=7Pearse October|first=Adam 2020|titledate=Education31 MinisterMay rebuffs2023 National|title='sNational callneedstointervenework onharder': proposalsFormer forNational scienceMP cullingjumps atto Act Party Massey|url=https://www.agsciencenewstalkzb.orgco.nz/educationnews/politics/former-ministernational-mp-rebuffsparmjeet-nationalsparmar-calljumps-to-interveneact-onwill-proposalsstand-for-science-cullingin-at-masseypakuranga/ |access-date=22 MayNovember 2023 2021|website=NZIAHS[[Newstalk ZB]] |language=en-NZ}}</ref>
=== ACT New Zealand ===
Parmar has advocated for change to legislation that governs biotechnology and genetic modification in New Zealand. She believes that biotech is one of the strongest tools that can help New Zealand reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, and that New Zealand must change its legislation if it is serious about its climate change aspirations.<ref>{{Cite web|date=1 March 2019|title=Is it time to reignite the genetic modification debate?|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/383736/is-it-time-to-reignite-the-genetic-modification-debate|access-date=22 May 2021|website=RNZ|language=en-nz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Comment: Time to modernise our Biotech laws|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-country/news/comment-time-to-modernise-our-biotech-laws/ASQOCBPWIJIMJD3SRLZIKPPYB4/|access-date=22 May 2021|website=NZ Herald|language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=National would overhaul law governing gene editing|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/national-would-overhaul-law-governing-gene-editing/GPRVLLR464SSRAKYQAMBT5MEKA/|access-date=22 May 2021|website=NZ Herald|language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=6 November 2019|title=Weighing in on the HSNO Act|url=https://biotechnz.org.nz/2019/11/06/weighing-in-on-the-hsno-act/|access-date=22 May 2021|website=BIOTechNZ|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Farmers Weekly {{!}}|url=https://farmersweekly.co.nz/section/agribusiness/view/national-promises-a-ge-review|access-date=22 May 2021|website=farmersweekly.co.nz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Dr Parmjeet Parmar: New Zealand must allow biotechnology to flourish|url=https://www.magic.co.nz/home/news/2019/08/dr-parmjeet-parmar--new-zealand-must-allow-biotechnology-to-flou.html|access-date=22 May 2021|website=Magic|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=18 April 2019|title=Why NZ should rethink rules on genetic modification|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/112130137/why-nz-should-rethink-rules-on-genetic-modification|access-date=22 May 2021|website=Stuff|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Tipa|first=Pam|title=Potential shake-up of GE restrictions|url=https://www.ruralnewsgroup.co.nz/rural-news/rural-general-news/potential-shake-up-of-ge-restrictions|access-date=22 May 2021|website=www.ruralnewsgroup.co.nz|language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Business Scoop » Government can't continue to ignore biotech|url=http://business.scoop.co.nz/2019/08/13/government-cant-continue-to-ignore-biotech/|access-date=22 May 2021|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Alessandra Orsi|date=20 August 2020|title=Innovation Debate|url=https://llgovtech.co.nz/blog-innovation-debate/|access-date=22 May 2021|website=GovTech Accelerator|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=24 August 2019|title=It's time to change New Zealand's policy on genetic modification|url=https://www.nbr.co.nz/node/222857|access-date=22 May 2021|website=NBR|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Edlin |first=Bob |date=14 August 2019 |title=Government responds (cautiously) to report on gene editing but National calls for urgency |url= https://www.agscience.org.nz/government-responds-cautiously-to-report-on-gene-editing-but-national-calls-for-urgency/ |access-date=22 May 2021 |website=NZIAHS |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=25 October 2019|title=James Shaw and GM technologies – the debate is about trade (he said), not about science|url=https://www.agscience.org.nz/james-shaw-and-gm-technologies-the-debate-is-about-trade-he-said-not-about-science/|access-date=22 May 2021|website=NZIAHS|language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Ross|first=Mark|date=1 July 2020|title=AGCARM Newsletter|url=http://agcarm.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/INPUT-July-2020.pdf|access-date=22 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Nats target laws on gene editing |url= https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/the-new-zealand-herald/20191008/281788515810703 |access-date=22 May 2021 |work=The New Zealand Herald |via=PressReader}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Revealed: New Zealand's archaic genetic technology law stifling breakthrough science|language=en|work=Newshub|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/06/revealed-new-zealand-s-archaic-genetic-technology-law-stifling-breakthrough-science.html|access-date=22 May 2021}}</ref>{{Excessive citations inline|date=August 2023}}
On 31 May 2023, Parmar announced her return to politics, switching her party affiliation from National to [[ACT New Zealand|ACT]]. That same day, she was confirmed as the ACT candidate for [[Pakuranga (New Zealand electorate)|Pakuranga]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/491045/former-national-mp-parmjeet-parmar-switches-to-act-for-2023-election |title=Former National MP Parmjeet Parmar switches to ACT for 2023 election|work=RNZ |date=31 May 2023 |first=Anneke |last=Smith}}</ref> In July, ACT placed her ninth on its party list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whyte |first=Anna |date=16 July 2023 |title=ACT releases candidate list, MP James McDowall to retire |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/132554781/act-releases-candidate-list-mp-james-mcdowall-to-retire |access-date=16 July 2023 |website= [[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |language=en }}</ref> ▼
During the [[2023 New Zealand general election]] held on 14 October, Parmar was elected to Parliament on the ACT party list.<ref>{{cite web |title=2023 General Election - Successful Candidates |url=https://archive.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/successful-candidates.html |publisher=[[Electoral Commission (New Zealand)|Electoral Commission]] |access-date=25 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122030023/https://archive.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/successful-candidates.html |archive-date=22 November 2023 |date=3 November 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> She also came third place in the Pakuranga electorate, gaining 1,298 votes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pakuranga - Official Result |url=https://archive.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/electorate-details-35.html |publisher=[[Electoral Commission (New Zealand)|Electoral Commission]] |access-date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123163448/https://archive.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/electorate-details-35.html |archive-date=23 November 2023 |date=3 November 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>
During the [[2020 New Zealand general election|2020 general election]], Parmar again contested the Mount Roskill electorate and due to a significant swing towards the Labour Party was not able to return as a list MP.<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 October 2020|title=Labour's red tide sees its parliamentary diversity increase|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/428690/labour-s-red-tide-sees-its-parliamentary-diversity-increase|access-date=22 May 2021|website=RNZ|language=en-nz}}</ref>
As ACT's education spokesperson, Parmar objected to the [[University of Auckland]]'s designated [[safe space]]s for [[Māori people|Māori]] and [[Pasifika New Zealanders|Pasifika]] students. She argued that the policy was racially discriminatory, divisive and failed to address historical injustices faced by ethnic minorities in New Zealand.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Parmar |first1=Parmjeet |title=Auckland University's designated Maori and Pacific spaces: ACT education spokeswoman Parmjeet Parmar's view |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/parmjeet-parmar-its-not-the-job-of-a-university-reinforce-any-groups-existing-world-views/BB2YUUPAHJCFLPNNF7BSOF4UEI/ |access-date=5 April 2024 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=30 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404075132/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/parmjeet-parmar-its-not-the-job-of-a-university-reinforce-any-groups-existing-world-views/BB2YUUPAHJCFLPNNF7BSOF4UEI/ |archive-date=4 April 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 2023 election and switch to ACT ===
▲On 31 May 2023, Parmar announced her return to politics, switching her party affiliation from National to [[ACT New Zealand|ACT]]. That same day, she was confirmed as the ACT candidate for [[Pakuranga (New Zealand electorate)|Pakuranga]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/491045/former-national-mp-parmjeet-parmar-switches-to-act-for-2023-election |title=Former National MP Parmjeet Parmar switches to ACT for 2023 election|work=RNZ |date=31 May 2023 |first=Anneke |last=Smith}}</ref> In July, ACT placed her ninth on its party list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whyte |first=Anna |date=16 July 2023 |title=ACT releases candidate list, MP James McDowall to retire |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/132554781/act-releases-candidate-list-mp-james-mcdowall-to-retire |access-date=16 July 2023 |website=Stuff |language=en}}</ref>
==Personal life==
While still living in India, Parmar's family [[Arranged marriage|arranged for her to marry]] Ravinder Parmar, who was a New Zealand citizen.<ref name="arranged"/> They have two sons.<ref name=":4" />
==References==
[[Category:Politicians of Indian descent]]
[[Category:University of Auckland alumni]]
[[Category:Foreign-born New Zealand politicians]]
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