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{{Short description|New Zealand politician (1952–2024)}} |
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{{Infobox officeholder |
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{{for|the composer|Barbara Stewart (composer)}} |
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| image = |
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| constituency_MP = [[New Zealand First]] [[party list]] |
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| parliament = New Zealand |
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| term_start = [[2002 New Zealand general election|27 July 2002]] |
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| term_end = [[2008 New Zealand general election|8 November 2008]] |
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| predecessor = |
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| birth_date = {{birth date|1952|02|23|df=y}} |
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| birth_place = [[Wairoa]], New Zealand |
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| death_date = {{death date and age|2024|06|02|1952|02|23|df=y}} |
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| death_place = |
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| restingplace = |
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| restingplacecoordinates = |
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| birthname = |
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| nationality = |
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| party = [[New Zealand First]] |
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| otherparty = <!--For additional political affiliations--> |
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| spouse = Gordon Stewart |
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| partner = <!--For those with a domestic partner and not married--> |
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| relations = |
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| children = One |
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| residence = |
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| alma_mater = |
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| occupation = |
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| profession = Teacher |
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| cabinet = |
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| committees = |
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| portfolio = |
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| religion = |
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| footnotes = |
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| termstart1 = [[2011 New Zealand general election|26 November 2011]] |
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| termend1 = [[2017 New Zealand general election|23 September 2017]] |
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'''Barbara Joy Stewart''' |
'''Barbara Joy Stewart''' (23 February 1952 – 2 June 2024) was a New Zealand politician. She wasaMemberof Parliament for the [[New Zealand First]] party from 2002 to 2008 and again from 2011 to 2017. |
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==Early life== |
==Early life and family== |
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Stewart was born in [[Wairoa]] on 23 February 1952.<ref name=":0"/><ref name="Funeral notice">{{cite web |url=https://www.legacyfunerals.co.nz/funerals?funeral=GOjtA |title=Ms Barbara Joy Stewart |website=Legacy Funerals |access-date=4 June 2024}}</ref> Her father was an electrical engineer, and she had four siblings.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=5 September 2002 |title=Address in Reply |url=https://www.parliament.nz/media/3914/stewart-barbara-maiden-speech-5-september-2002.pdf |website=New Zealand Parliament}}</ref> With her husband, Gordon, she has a son, Alister.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=8 August 2017 |title=Valedictory Statement - Barbara Stewart |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/HansS_20170808_062400000/speech |website=New Zealand Parliament}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Gordon STEWART Obituary (2017) - Waikato Times |url=https://deaths.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz/obituaries/waikato-times-nz/name/gordon-stewart-obituary?id=41027833 |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=Legacy.com}}</ref> Gordon died in 2017 from cancer.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> |
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⚫ | She obtained a [[Bachelor of Education|BEd]] and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies, both from the [[University of Waikato]]. Before entering politics, she was a primary and secondary school [[teacher]] and a company training officer.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="MP parliamentary bio">{{cite web|title= Members of Parliament |url=http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/MPP/MPs/4/a/e/50MP78041-Stewart-Barbara.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130223052445/http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/MPP/MPs/4/a/e/50MP78041-Stewart-Barbara.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 February 2013 |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=7 September 2010 }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2023-11-02 |title=Industrious NZ First candidate on foreign turf |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/industrious-nz-first-candidate-on-foreign-turf/L352ZQYYKBVI3ASGPSXTX5XZCU/ |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref> |
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==Political career== |
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Stewart was initially a member of the [[New Zealand National Party|National Party]] and acted as secretary for the [[Feilding]] branch 1987–90.<ref name="MP parliamentary bio" /> |
Stewart was initially a "long-time" member of the [[New Zealand National Party|National Party]] and acted as secretary for the [[Feilding]] branch 1987–90.<ref name="MP parliamentary bio" /><ref name=":1" /> She joined [[New Zealand First]] in 1996.<ref name=":1" /> Prior to and during her political career, she lived in [[Cambridge, New Zealand|Cambridge]].<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gill |first=Mary Anne |date=2023-10-25 |title=MPs names missing |url=https://www.cambridgenews.nz/2023/10/mps-names-missing/ |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=Cambridge News |language=en}}</ref> |
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==Member of Parliament== |
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===First period, 2002–2008=== |
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|end = 2014 |
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|electorate = [[Party lists in the New Zealand general election |
|electorate = [[Party lists in the 2011 New Zealand general election#New Zealand First|List]] |
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|start = {{NZ election link year|2014}} |
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Stewart contested the [[North Shore (New Zealand electorate)|North Shore]] electorate for New Zealand First in the [[2002 New Zealand general election|2002 election]] and was ranked sixth on the [[party list]]—the highest rank of any candidate who was not already an MP and also the highest ranked woman. Although she lost North Shore, she was elected to Parliament as a [[list MP]].<ref name="MP parliamentary bio" /> She began her first term as New Zealand First's representative on the Social Services committee but eventually moved to the Health committee. She was also the party spokesperson for consumer affairs, family affairs (encompassing the women's affairs, senior citizens, and disability issues portfolios), health, social services, and tourism.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Stewart, Barbara - New Zealand Parliament |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/former-members-of-parliament/stewart-barbara/ |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=www.parliament.nz |language=en}}</ref> |
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Stewart was elected to Parliament in the [[New Zealand general election, 2002|2002 elections]] as a [[list MP]], having been ranked sixth on the New Zealand First [[party list]].<ref name="MP parliamentary bio" /> In 2006 she introduced a Member's Bill to Parliament to reduce the size of the New Zealand House of Representatives from 120 members to 100 members. The bill passed its first reading 61 votes to 60 on 16 March 2006, but was defeated at its Second Reading on 8 November 2006. |
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In her September 2002 maiden statement to the house, she set out her intention to be an advocate for children. She described an "absence of parenting skills" in society and set out her concerns relating to child health, including [[childhood obesity]] and poor [[Dental public health|dental health]]. She also spoke out against violence on television and in video games.<ref name=":0" /> |
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In the [[New Zealand general election, 2008|2008 general election]] Stewart was fifth on the New Zealand First party list, but the party lost all its parliamentary seats, winning no electorates and polling below the 5% threshold. |
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Stewart was re-elected on the New Zealand First party list in the [[2005 New Zealand general election|2005 general election]], having lost in [[Piako (New Zealand electorate)|Piako]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2005 |title=Official Count Results -- Piako |url=https://electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2005/electorate-41.html |access-date=31 October 2023 |website=Electoral Commission}}</ref> After the election, New Zealand First supported the continuation of the [[Fifth Labour Government of New Zealand|Labour government]]. |
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At the [[New Zealand |
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In 2006, Stewart's [[private member's bill]], the Electoral (Reduction in Number of Members of Parliament) Amendment Bill, was introduced to Parliament. The bill followed the [[1999 New Zealand MP reduction referendum]], in which 81.46% of participating electors voted to reduce the number of MPs to 99. The referendum was non-binding and the referendum outcome had not been implemented by the government. At the time, New Zealand's [[Mixed-member proportional representation|mixed-member proportional]] voting system provided for 69 electorate MPs and at least 51 list MPs for a total of at least 120 MPs (subject to any [[Overhang seat|overhang]]). Stewart's bill proposed no changes to the number of electorate MPs and proposed to cut the number of list MPs by 20 for a total of 100 MPs. At its first reading on 16 March 2006, the Bill passed 61 votes to 60 despite the governing Labour Party's opposition, but it was defeated at its second reading on 8 November 2006 when the [[New Zealand National Party|National Party]] withdrew its support.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 June 2013 |title=Electoral (Reduction in Number of Members of Parliament) Amendment Bill |url=https://bills.parliament.nz/v/6/550dc0a5-04f6-43c6-884b-f04d4470ecf8?Tab=history |access-date=31 October 2023 |website=bills.parliament.nz |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-02 |title=Committee decides against reducing number of MPs |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/committee-decides-against-reducing-number-of-mps/3M5LVXMJ46UXYJNHULXPG6WRCM/ |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Electoral (Reduction in Number of Members of Parliament) Amendment Bill: Report of the Justice and Electoral Committee |url=https://www.parliament.nz/resource/en-NZ/48DBSCH_SCR3542_1/aa9e2e995bf7b6014cb01d1c6897f10aa3849897 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101152548/https://www.parliament.nz/resource/en-NZ/48DBSCH_SCR3542_1/aa9e2e995bf7b6014cb01d1c6897f10aa3849897 |archive-date=1 November 2023 |access-date=1 November 2023 |website=New Zealand Parliament}}</ref> |
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In the [[2008 New Zealand general election|2008 general election]], Stewart unsuccessfully contested the new [[Waikato (New Zealand electorate)|Waikato]] electorate. She was promoted to fifth on the New Zealand First list, but the party lost all its parliamentary seats, winning no electorates and polling below the 5% threshold.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008 |title=Official Count Results -- Overall Status |url=https://electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2008/partystatus.html |access-date=31 October 2023 |website=Electoral Commission}}</ref> |
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=== Second period, 2011–2017 === |
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⚫ | At the [[2011 New Zealand general election|2011 election]] Stewart was re-elected to Parliament following a resurgence in the New Zealand First vote, where she had been ranked fifth on the party list. Stewart had stood again in the Waikato seat but was unsuccessful in defeating [[Lindsay Tisch]], the incumbent [[National Party of New Zealand]] MP. Stewart was elected whip by the new NZ First caucus following the 2011 election and remained in this role following her re-election in [[2014 New Zealand general election|2014]].<ref name=":5" /> |
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In her second period in Parliament, Stewart was New Zealand First's spokesperson on [[Accident Compensation Corporation|ACC]], disability issues, family issues, health, labour and industrial relations, and tourism, and associate spokesperson for senior citizens.<ref name=":5" /> She also rejoined the Health select committee.<ref name=":5" /> She criticised the National government's record on suicide prevention<ref>{{Cite web |last=Forrester |first=Georgia |date=2016-08-02 |title=Evaluation of suicide prevention strategy urgently needed, MP says |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/82678043/evaluation-of-suicide-prevention-strategy-urgently-needed-mp-says |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=Stuff |language=en}}</ref> and immigration, saying that Asian immigrants to New Zealand "struggl[e] with the concept of a house."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fonseka |first=Dileepa |date=2016-05-20 |title=Fewer migrants, thanks, says Hamilton and NZ First |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/80213771/fewer-migrants-thanks-says-hamilton-and-nz-first |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=Stuff |language=en}}</ref> |
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In 2013, Stewart voted against the [[Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act 2013|Marriage Amendment Bill]], which aims to permit same sex marriage in New Zealand, with all of her fellow New Zealand First MPs.<ref>{{cite news |date=18 April 2013 |title=Gay marriage: How MPs voted |work=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/gay-marriage/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503276&objectid=10878241 |url-status=dead |accessdate=19 March 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331174829/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/gay-marriage/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503276&objectid=10878241 |archivedate=31 March 2016}}</ref> |
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Stewart was successful in having two health-related private member's bills selected for introduction during her second period in Parliament, though neither passed. The SuperGold Health Check Bill, was selected for introduction in November 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 November 2013 |title=Supergold Health Check Bill Drawn From Ballot |url=https://community.scoop.co.nz/2013/11/supergold-health-check-bill-drawn-from-ballot/ |access-date=31 October 2023 |website=Scoop.co.nz |language=en}}</ref> The bill proposed that over 65s who receive [[Superannuation in New Zealand|New Zealand superannuation]] would be eligible for three free doctors' visits per year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 May 2013 |title=SuperGold Health Check Bill |url=https://bills.parliament.nz/v/6/dafbadb2-b865-48a3-8590-f322ea8d8843?Tab=history |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=bills.parliament.nz |language=en}}</ref> The Bill was transferred into the name of New Zealand First leader [[Winston Peters]] before its first reading, where it was defeated 60 votes to 61.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SuperGold Health Check Bill — First Reading - New Zealand Parliament |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/51HansD_20150624_00000024/supergold-health-check-bill-first-reading |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=www.parliament.nz |language=en}}</ref> |
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The Affordable Healthcare Bill was drawn in August 2015 and was also transferred to Peters. It failed its first reading 46 votes to 75 that December.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Affordable Healthcare Bill — First Reading - New Zealand Parliament |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/combined/51HansD_20151202_00000016 |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=www.parliament.nz |language=en}}</ref> The bill proposed amendments to the [[Immigration Act 2009]], the [[Taxation in New Zealand|Income Tax Act 2007]] and the [[Welfare in New Zealand|Social Security Act 1964]] that would require immigrant parents to have and maintain health insurance, remove [[fringe benefits tax]] from health insurance and give a rebate on health insurance to pensioners.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Affordable Healthcare Bill 2015 (Member’s Bill, Rt Hon Winston Peters): Bills Digest No 2259 - New Zealand Parliament |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/bills-and-laws/bills-digests/document/51PLLaw22591/affordable-healthcare-bill-2015-member-s-bill-rt-hon |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=www.parliament.nz |language=en}}</ref> The policies related to mandatory health insurance for immigrants were controversial. A similar policy proposal had been criticised by Stewart's New Zealand First colleagues [[Denis O'Rourke]] and [[Mahesh Bindra]], who questioned its consistency with the [[New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vance |first=Andrea |date=2015-08-13 |title=NZ First immigration bill contains rejected immigration policy |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/71096039/nz-first-immigration-bill-contains-rejected-immigration-policy |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=Stuff |language=en}}</ref> Later, [[Attorney-General (New Zealand)|Attorney-General]], [[Chris Finlayson]], issued a legal opinion stating that the bill's provisions related to mandatory health insurance for immigrants would unjustifiably limit the right to freedom from discrimination in the Bill of Rights.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015 |title=Report of the Attorney-General under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 on the Affordable Healthcare Bill |url=https://www.justice.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Publications/Affordable-Healthcare-Bill.pdf |access-date=31 October 2023 |website=Ministry of Justice}}</ref> |
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Stewart announced that, following the death of her husband on 31 January 2017, she would not stand for re-election in the [[2017 New Zealand general election|2017 general election]].<ref name=":4">{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/90158880/nz-first-mp-barbara-stewarts-husbands-death-has-prompted-her-decision-to-leave-parliament|title=NZ First MP Barbara Stewart's husband's death has prompted her decision to leave Parliament |publisher=[[Stuff.co.nz]]|date=7 March 2017|access-date=7 March 2017}}</ref> In her valedictory statement on 8 August 2017, she stated that she considered her greatest achievement to be working with Labour's health minister [[Pete Hodgson]] on providing free doctors' visits for children under six.<ref name=":2" /> Hodgson announced that policy in August 2007, thanking New Zealand First MPs for their support.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 August 2007 |title=More support for free doc visits for under-6s |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/more-support-free-doc-visits-under-6s |access-date=31 October 2023 |website=Beehive.govt.nz}}</ref> |
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== Later life and death == |
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Stewart indicated that she would contribute to the voluntary sector during her retirement.<ref name=":2" /> She was appointed a Trust Waikato trustee.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Trust Waikato {{!}} Trustees |url=https://www.trustwaikato.co.nz/trustees |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221230445/https://www.trustwaikato.co.nz/trustees |archive-date=2019-12-21 |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=Trust Waikato |language=en}}</ref> Stewart died on 2 June 2024, at the age of 72.<ref name="Funeral notice"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/06/03/greatly-missed-former-nz-first-mp-barbara-stewart-dies/ |title='Greatly missed' - Former NZ First MP Barbara Stewart dies |date=3 June 2024 |work=1 News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.legacy.com/nz/obituaries/waikato-times-nz/name/barbara-stewart-obituary?id=55250277 |title=Barbara Stewart obituary |date=4 June 2024 |work=[[Waikato Times]] |access-date=4 June 2024}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
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{{New Zealand First}} |
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{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. --> |
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| SHORT DESCRIPTION = New Zealand politician |
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| DATE OF BIRTH = 23 February 1952 |
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[[Category:New Zealand First MPs]] |
[[Category:New Zealand First MPs]] |
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[[Category:New Zealand educators]] |
[[Category:New Zealand educators]] |
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[[Category:New Zealand women educators]] |
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[[Category:University of Waikato alumni]] |
[[Category:University of Waikato alumni]] |
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[[Category:New Zealand |
[[Category:Women members of the New Zealand House of Representatives]] |
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[[Category:New Zealand list MPs]] |
[[Category:New Zealand list MPs]] |
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[[Category:People from Wairoa]] |
[[Category:People from Wairoa]] |
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[[Category:Members of the New Zealand House of Representatives]] |
[[Category:Members of the New Zealand House of Representatives]] |
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[[Category:Unsuccessful candidates in the New Zealand general election |
[[Category:Unsuccessful candidates in the 2008 New Zealand general election]] |
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[[Category:Candidates in the 2011 New Zealand general election]] |
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[[Category:Candidates in the 2014 New Zealand general election]] |
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[[Category:New Zealand National Party politicians]] |
[[Category:New Zealand National Party politicians]] |
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[[Category:21st-century New Zealand politicians]] |
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[[Category:21st-century New Zealand women politicians]] |
Barbara Stewart
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Member of the New Zealand Parliament for New Zealand First party list | |
In office 27 July 2002 – 8 November 2008 | |
In office 26 November 2011 – 23 September 2017 | |
Personal details | |
Born | (1952-02-23)23 February 1952 Wairoa, New Zealand |
Died | 2 June 2024(2024-06-02) (aged 72) |
Political party | New Zealand First |
Spouse | Gordon Stewart |
Children | One |
Profession | Teacher |
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Barbara Joy Stewart (23 February 1952 – 2 June 2024) was a New Zealand politician. She was a Member of Parliament for the New Zealand First party from 2002 to 2008 and again from 2011 to 2017.
Stewart was born in Wairoa on 23 February 1952.[1][2] Her father was an electrical engineer, and she had four siblings.[1] With her husband, Gordon, she has a son, Alister.[1][3][4] Gordon died in 2017 from cancer.[4][5]
She obtained a BEd and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies, both from the University of Waikato. Before entering politics, she was a primary and secondary school teacher and a company training officer.[1][6][7]
Stewart was initially a "long-time" member of the National Party and acted as secretary for the Feilding branch 1987–90.[6][7] She joined New Zealand First in 1996.[7] Prior to and during her political career, she lived in Cambridge.[7][8]
Years | Term | Electorate | List | Party | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2002–2005 | 47th | List | 6 | NZ First | |
2005–2008 | 48th | List | 6 | NZ First | |
2011–2014 | 50th | List | 5 | NZ First | |
2014–2017 | 51st | List | 5 | NZ First |
Stewart contested the North Shore electorate for New Zealand First in the 2002 election and was ranked sixth on the party list—the highest rank of any candidate who was not already an MP and also the highest ranked woman. Although she lost North Shore, she was elected to Parliament as a list MP.[6] She began her first term as New Zealand First's representative on the Social Services committee but eventually moved to the Health committee. She was also the party spokesperson for consumer affairs, family affairs (encompassing the women's affairs, senior citizens, and disability issues portfolios), health, social services, and tourism.[9]
In her September 2002 maiden statement to the house, she set out her intention to be an advocate for children. She described an "absence of parenting skills" in society and set out her concerns relating to child health, including childhood obesity and poor dental health. She also spoke out against violence on television and in video games.[1]
Stewart was re-elected on the New Zealand First party list in the 2005 general election, having lost in Piako.[10] After the election, New Zealand First supported the continuation of the Labour government.
In 2006, Stewart's private member's bill, the Electoral (Reduction in Number of Members of Parliament) Amendment Bill, was introduced to Parliament. The bill followed the 1999 New Zealand MP reduction referendum, in which 81.46% of participating electors voted to reduce the number of MPs to 99. The referendum was non-binding and the referendum outcome had not been implemented by the government. At the time, New Zealand's mixed-member proportional voting system provided for 69 electorate MPs and at least 51 list MPs for a total of at least 120 MPs (subject to any overhang). Stewart's bill proposed no changes to the number of electorate MPs and proposed to cut the number of list MPs by 20 for a total of 100 MPs. At its first reading on 16 March 2006, the Bill passed 61 votes to 60 despite the governing Labour Party's opposition, but it was defeated at its second reading on 8 November 2006 when the National Party withdrew its support.[11][12][13]
In the 2008 general election, Stewart unsuccessfully contested the new Waikato electorate. She was promoted to fifth on the New Zealand First list, but the party lost all its parliamentary seats, winning no electorates and polling below the 5% threshold.[14]
At the 2011 election Stewart was re-elected to Parliament following a resurgence in the New Zealand First vote, where she had been ranked fifth on the party list. Stewart had stood again in the Waikato seat but was unsuccessful in defeating Lindsay Tisch, the incumbent National Party of New Zealand MP. Stewart was elected whip by the new NZ First caucus following the 2011 election and remained in this role following her re-election in 2014.[9]
In her second period in Parliament, Stewart was New Zealand First's spokesperson on ACC, disability issues, family issues, health, labour and industrial relations, and tourism, and associate spokesperson for senior citizens.[9] She also rejoined the Health select committee.[9] She criticised the National government's record on suicide prevention[15] and immigration, saying that Asian immigrants to New Zealand "struggl[e] with the concept of a house."[16]
In 2013, Stewart voted against the Marriage Amendment Bill, which aims to permit same sex marriage in New Zealand, with all of her fellow New Zealand First MPs.[17]
Stewart was successful in having two health-related private member's bills selected for introduction during her second period in Parliament, though neither passed. The SuperGold Health Check Bill, was selected for introduction in November 2013.[18] The bill proposed that over 65s who receive New Zealand superannuation would be eligible for three free doctors' visits per year.[19] The Bill was transferred into the name of New Zealand First leader Winston Peters before its first reading, where it was defeated 60 votes to 61.[20]
The Affordable Healthcare Bill was drawn in August 2015 and was also transferred to Peters. It failed its first reading 46 votes to 75 that December.[21] The bill proposed amendments to the Immigration Act 2009, the Income Tax Act 2007 and the Social Security Act 1964 that would require immigrant parents to have and maintain health insurance, remove fringe benefits tax from health insurance and give a rebate on health insurance to pensioners.[22] The policies related to mandatory health insurance for immigrants were controversial. A similar policy proposal had been criticised by Stewart's New Zealand First colleagues Denis O'Rourke and Mahesh Bindra, who questioned its consistency with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990.[23] Later, Attorney-General, Chris Finlayson, issued a legal opinion stating that the bill's provisions related to mandatory health insurance for immigrants would unjustifiably limit the right to freedom from discrimination in the Bill of Rights.[24]
Stewart announced that, following the death of her husband on 31 January 2017, she would not stand for re-election in the 2017 general election.[5] In her valedictory statement on 8 August 2017, she stated that she considered her greatest achievement to be working with Labour's health minister Pete Hodgson on providing free doctors' visits for children under six.[3] Hodgson announced that policy in August 2007, thanking New Zealand First MPs for their support.[25]
Stewart indicated that she would contribute to the voluntary sector during her retirement.[3] She was appointed a Trust Waikato trustee.[26] Stewart died on 2 June 2024, at the age of 72.[2][27][28]