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{{short description|New Zealand politician}} |
{{short description|New Zealand politician}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} |
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{{Use New Zealand English|date=October 2014}} |
{{Use New Zealand English|date=October 2014}} |
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{{Infobox officeholder |
{{Infobox officeholder |
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| honorific-prefix = |
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| name = Parmjeet Parmar |
| name = Parmjeet Parmar |
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| honorific-suffix = {{post-nominals|country=NZL|MP|size=100%}} |
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| image = Parmjeet Parmar.jpg |
| image = Parmjeet Parmar.jpg |
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| constituency_MP2 = [[ACT New Zealand|ACT]] [[Party list|party list]] |
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| term_start2 = 14 October 2023 |
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| parliament2 = New Zealand |
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| constituency_MP3 = [[New Zealand National Party|National Party]] [[party list|list]] |
| constituency_MP3 = [[New Zealand National Party|National Party]] [[party list|list]] |
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| term_start3 = 20 September 2014 |
| term_start3 = 20 September 2014 |
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| term_end3 = 17 October 2020 |
| term_end3 = 17 October 2020 |
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| parliament3 = New Zealand |
| parliament3 = New Zealand |
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| birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1970}} |
| birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1970}} |
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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 |
'''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. |
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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]]. |
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Parmar grew up in India where her father served in the [[Indian Air Force]]. She completed a masters 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|url-status=live|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 |work=[[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> |
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Parmar is the first Indian woman to be elected to the New Zealand Parliament. |
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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. |
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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> |
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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> |
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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> |
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==Political career== |
==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> |
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|term=54th |
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|start={{NZ election link year|2023}} |
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|end=present |
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|list=9 |
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|party=ACT New Zealand |
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|electorate=List |
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{{End}} |
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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. |
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. Goff retired in 2016; Parmar unsuccessfully contested Mount Roskill against Labour's [[Michael Wood (New Zealand politician)|Michael Wood]] in the [[2016 Mount Roskill by-election|subsequent by-election]], and again at the [[2017 New 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> |
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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" /> |
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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" /> |
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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> |
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As a former Families Commissioner, she was a Member of the Social Services Select Committee. |
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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> |
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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> |
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| ⚫ | Parmar's second member's bill, the Patents (Advancement Patents) Amendment Bill, was debated in August 2018. It 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> The bill 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> but was ultimately unsuccessful at its first reading. |
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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" /> |
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| ⚫ | 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, the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Amendment Bill, which was supported by all parties and became law 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> |
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=== Second term === |
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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" /> |
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| ⚫ | 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> |
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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" /> |
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Parmar was defeated in [[Mount Roskill (New Zealand electorate)|Mount Roskill]] at the [[2020 New Zealand general election|2020 election]] and the National Party did not win enough support for her 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> 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 |last=Pearse |first=Adam |date=31 May 2023 |title='National needs to work harder': Former National MP jumps to Act Party |url=https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/former-national-mp-parmjeet-parmar-jumps-to-act-will-stand-in-pakuranga/ |access-date=22 November 2023 |website=[[Newstalk ZB]] |language=en}}</ref> |
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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> |
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=== ACT New Zealand === |
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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> |
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| ⚫ | 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> |
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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> |
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Parmar |
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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> |
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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 |
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As a member of various inter-parliamentary associations during her second term she attended and spoke at national and international conferences including: |
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* 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> |
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* 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> |
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* 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> |
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In response to comments by [[New Zealand First]] MP [[Shane Jones]] in which he stated that immigrants that criticised immigration policies should |
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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> |
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Parmar stood against changes at the [[Massey University]]’s Albany campus that would result in a loss of scientific jobs and opportunity for local students to study science degree at the Albany campus.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Massey science cuts: National MP wants Govt to step in|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/massey-science-cuts-national-mp-wants-govt-to-step-in/GQP4FRVCVO2ZD4BGJNM3JC62LM/|access-date=22 May 2021|website=NZ Herald|language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=7 October 2020|title=Education Minister rebuffs National's call to intervene on proposals for science culling at Massey|url=https://www.agscience.org.nz/education-minister-rebuffs-nationals-call-to-intervene-on-proposals-for-science-culling-at-massey/|access-date=22 May 2021|website=NZIAHS|language=en-NZ}}</ref> |
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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|url-status=live|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}} |
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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> |
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Parmar continued to remain active in the media.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Opinion: Parmjeet Parmar: Why National thought it could win the 2020 election|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/opinion-parmjeet-parmar-why-national-thought-it-could-win-the-2020-election/DL2X2QLVEZOGBQELS2RKRDWTQM/|access-date=22 May 2021|website=NZ Herald|language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=8 December 2020|title=Covid antibody testing needed to counter false negatives|url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/page/covid-antibody-testing-needed|access-date=22 May 2021|website=Newsroom|language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=23 December 2020|title=NZ to be last in world to vaccinate high-risk workers|url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/page/nz-to-be-last-in-world-to-vaccinate-high-risk-workers|access-date=22 May 2021|website=Newsroom|language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=18 January 2021|title=Dr Parmjeet Parmar: Slow Government response to Covid-19 variants puts NZ at risk|url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/pro/page/slow-government-response-to-covid-19-variants-puts-nz-at-risk|access-date=22 May 2021|website=Newsroom|language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=9 February 2021|title=We must guarantee supply by manufacturing the vaccine in NZ|url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/page/guarantee-supply-by-manufacturing-vaccine-in-nz|access-date=22 May 2021|website=Newsroom|language=en-AU}}</ref>{{Excessive citations inline|date=August 2023}}{{Importance inline|date=August 2023}} |
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=== 2023 election and switch to ACT === |
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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= |
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==Personal life== |
==Personal life== |
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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"/> |
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" /> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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*[https://www.national.org.nz/parmjeetparmar Profile] at National party |
*[https://www.national.org.nz/parmjeetparmar Profile] at National party |
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*[http://www.parliament.nz/en-nz/mpp/mps/current/51MP3661/parmar-parmjeet Profile] on Parliamentary website |
*[http://www.parliament.nz/en-nz/mpp/mps/current/51MP3661/parmar-parmjeet Profile] on Parliamentary website |
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{{ACT New Zealand}}{{Current members of the New Zealand House of Representatives}}{{DEFAULTSORT:Parmar, Parmjeet}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Parmar, Parmjeet}} |
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[[Category:New Zealand list MPs]] |
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[[Category:ACT New Zealand |
[[Category:ACT New Zealand MPs]] |
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[[Category:21st-century New Zealand politicians]] |
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[[Category:Unsuccessful candidates in the 2020 New Zealand general election]] |
[[Category:Unsuccessful candidates in the 2020 New Zealand general election]] |
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| ⚫ | [[Category:Candidates in the 2023 New Zealand general election]] |
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[[Category:Politicians of Indian descent]] |
[[Category:Politicians of Indian descent]] |
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[[Category:University of Auckland alumni]] |
[[Category:University of Auckland alumni]] |
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Parmjeet Parmar
| |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the New Zealand Parliament for ACT party list | |
| Assumed office 14 October 2023 | |
| Member of the New Zealand Parliament for National Party list | |
| In office 20 September 2014 – 17 October 2020 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1970 (age 53–54) |
| Political party | ACT (2023–present) National (before 2023) |
| Spouse | Ravinder Parmar |
| Children | 2 |
| Website | http://www.parmjeetparmar.co.nz/ |
| Alma mater | University of Pune University of Auckland (PhD) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Biochemistry, neuroscience |
| Thesis | Neuroserpin regulates neurite outgrowth in AtT-20 and PC12 cell lines (2003) |
| |
Kushmiita Parmjeet Kaur Parmar (born 1970)[1] is a New Zealand politician.
She was first elected as a Member of the New Zealand House of Representatives in the 2014 general election, representing the 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 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.[2] She then worked as a scientist.
In 2007, Parmar and her husband became directors of confectionery company, Kiwi Empire Confectionery Limited.[3] 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.[4]
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.[5] The following year, she was appointed to the board of the Families Commission (later Superu).[6]
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.[7] When Parmar was eventually confirmed as a National candidate, she said she would resign from the board immediately.[8]
| Years | Term | Electorate | List | Party | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–2017 | 51st | List | 48 | National | |
| 2017–2020 | 52nd | List | 34 | National | |
| 2023–present | 54th | List | 9 | ACT | |
Parmar was announced as a National Party candidate in June 2014.[8] She contested the Mount Roskill electorate at the 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. Goff retired in 2016; Parmar unsuccessfully contested Mount Roskill against Labour's Michael Wood in the subsequent by-election, and again at the 2017 general election were she was returned as a list MP.[9]
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.[10] In her first term, during the final three years of the Fifth National Government, Parmar was a member of the social services committee and transport and industrial relations committee.[11] In 2017, she was briefly deputy chair of the transport and industrial relations committee.[11]
Parmar’s member’s bill, the Newborn Enrolment with General Practice Bill, was introduced on 10 May 2017.[12] 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.[12][13] 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.[14][15]
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.[11] 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.[11] As science and innovation spokesperson, Parmar advocated for more certainty of funding for fire research in light of Port Hills and Nelson fires[16] and for financial security for Crown Research Institutes.[17] She supported legislative change to enable gene-editing as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.[18][19]
Parmar's second member's bill, the Patents (Advancement Patents) Amendment Bill, was debated in August 2018. It proposed to create a second-tier patent with lesser eligibility requirements and protection compared to the standard patent.[20][21] The bill attracted attention from local patent attorneys,[22] the software industry,[23] and from overseas jurisdictions[24][25][26][27] but was ultimately unsuccessful at its first reading.
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, the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Amendment Bill, which was supported by all parties and became law on 2 July 2020.[28]
In response to comments by New Zealand FirstMPShane 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.[29][30] 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."[31]
Parmar was defeated in Mount Roskill at the 2020 election and the National Party did not win enough support for her to return as a list MP.[32] She sought the National candidacy in Mount Roskill, Upper Harbour, and Maungakiekie ahead of the 2023 general election but was not selected.[33]
On 31 May 2023, Parmar announced her return to politics, switching her party affiliation from National to ACT. That same day, she was confirmed as the ACT candidate for Pakuranga.[34] In July, ACT placed her ninth on its party list.[35]
During the 2023 New Zealand general election held on 14 October, Parmar was elected to Parliament on the ACT party list.[36] She also came third place in the Pakuranga electorate, gaining 1,298 votes.[37]
As ACT's education spokesperson, Parmar objected to the University of Auckland's designated safe spaces for Māori and Pasifika students. She argued that the policy was racially discriminatory, divisive and failed to address historical injustices faced by ethnic minorities in New Zealand.[38]
While still living in India, Parmar's family arranged for her to marry Ravinder Parmar, who was a New Zealand citizen.[29] They have two sons.[10]
