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'''Dr Parmjeet 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 |work= |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 03 Nov 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. |
'''Dr Parmjeet 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 |work= |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|New Zealand Parliament.]] She was appointed as the Opposition Spokesperson for Research, Science and Innovation from 03 Nov 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. |
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==Early life== |
==Early life== |
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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. In [[Auckland]], she gained a PhD in neuroscience and worked as a scientist. She worked as a current affairs and talkback host |
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. In [[Auckland]], she gained a PhD in neuroscience and 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 National Party appointed her to the board of the-then [[Superu|Families Commission]] in 2013. 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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==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 to Labour MP [[Rajen Prasad]] |
In early 2014, Parmar was photographed wearing a National Party ribbon with John Key at an Auckland event. This led to Labour MP [[Rajen Prasad]] questioning 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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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=2020-06-05|publisher=[[New Zealand Parliament]]|language=en}}</ref> |
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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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As a list MP, Dr Parmar had her office in the Mt Roskill electorate to serve locals. Dr Parmar attended many local ceremonies and fought against unauthorised actions from the local Labour Party.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Back-down on MP’s citizenship ceremony block|language=en|work=Newshub|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2016/05/back-down-on-mps-citizenship-ceremony-block.html|access-date=2021-05-22}}</ref> |
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=== First term === |
=== First term === |
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As a former Families Commissioner, she was a Member of the Social Services Select Committee. |
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Dr Parmar’s office was located at 165 Stoddard Road in Mt Roskill, a central location in the Mt Roskill electorate, to ensure she was accessible to those who needed help the most. |
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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=2021-05-22|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|last=Wednesday|last2=November 2016|first2=23|last3=Zeal|first3=4:49 pm Press Release: New|last4=Party|first4=National|title=Safer routes for Mt Roskill families {{!}} Scoop News|url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1611/S00452/safer-routes-for-mt-roskill-families.htm|access-date=2021-05-22|website=www.scoop.co.nz}}</ref> |
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As a former Families Commissioner, she was a Member of the Social Services Select Committee. Additionally, with Dr Parmar’s business background and local knowledge of Auckland, she was aware that transport and infrastructure were the biggest issues facing the community, and this informed her time as a Member of the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee.<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=2021-05-22|website=www.parliament.nz|language=en}}</ref> |
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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=2021-05-22|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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=== Second term === |
=== Second term === |
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Following the 2017 election |
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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⚫ | 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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⚫ | 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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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=2018-05-08|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=2021-05-22|website=Stuff|language=en}}</ref> |
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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=2018-05-08|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=2021-05-22|website=Stuff|language=en}}</ref> |
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⚫ | 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=2021-05-22|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=2021-05-22|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=2021-05-22|website=www.thelawyermag.com|language=en}}</ref> the software industry,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-04-09|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=2021-05-22|website=NBR|language=en}}</ref> and from overseas jurisdictions.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-07-18|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=2021-05-22|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=2021-05-22|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=2021-05-22|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=2021-05-22|website=www.linkedin.com|language=en}}</ref> The Bill was ultimately unsuccessful at its first reading, as the Government did not support the Bill. |
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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 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=2021-05-22|website=www.parliament.nz|language=en}}</ref> |
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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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* 33rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Australia and Pacific Regional Conference, Darwin, Australia, from 24 to 26 November 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Chapple|first=Robin|date=26 November 2015|title=2015 Australia and Pacific Regional Conference|url=https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/WebCMS/WebCMS.nsf/resources/file-cpa-33-aprc-24-26-november-2015-hon-robin-chapple/$file/33rd%20APRC,%20Darwin,%20Australia,%2024%20-%2026%20November%202015%20-%20Hon%20Robin%20Chapple.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=22 May 2021|website=Parliament of Western Australia}}</ref> |
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* 25th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum in Nadi, Fiji, from 15 to 19 January, 2017. |
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* Annual Westminster Seminar hosted by CPA United Kingdom at the British Houses of Parliament, 2019. |
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* As a member of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, |
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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=2021-05-22|website=www.parliament.nz|language=en}}</ref> |
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As an immigrant to New Zealand, Dr Parmar worked hard in ethnic communities and was a strong local voice for ethnic communities and against discrimination based on ethnicity or cultural beliefs.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-09|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=2021-05-22|website=Stuff|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-03|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=2021-05-22|website=indiannewslink.co.nz|language=en-US}}</ref> On the 150<sup>th</sup> anniversary of [[Mahatma Gandhi]]'s birth, Dr 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=2021-05-22|website=The Indian News|language=en-US}}</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=2021-05-22|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|last=26560425|title=Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Annual Review 2019/2020|url=https://issuu.com/theparliamentarian/docs/cwp_annual_review_2019_2020_final_single|access-date=2021-05-22|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 'catch the first plane home', Parmar sentaletter to Prime Minister [[Jacinda Ardern]] expressing her concerns.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-09|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=2021-05-22|website=Stuff|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-03|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=2021-05-22|website=indiannewslink.co.nz|language=en-US}}</ref> On the 150<sup>th</sup> anniversary of [[Mahatma Gandhi]]'s birth, Parmar ran a petition for his statutetobe installedinAucklandtoacknowledge 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=2021-05-22|website=The Indian News|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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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=2021-05-22|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=2021-05-22|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 was such that start-up scientific sector didn’t initially qualify.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-06|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=2021-05-22|website=Stuff|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-07|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=2021-05-22|website=Stuff|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=News|first=Mirage|date=2020-05-20|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=2021-05-22|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|last=Sunday|last2=April 2020|first2=26|last3=Zeal|first3=4:34 pm Press Release: New|last4=Party|first4=National|title=Let’s Back Kiwi Scientists In Fight Against Covid-19 {{!}} Scoop News|url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA2004/S00153/lets-back-kiwi-scientists-in-fight-against-covid-19.htm|access-date=2021-05-22|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=2021-05-22|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=2021-05-22|website=NZ Herald|language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-07|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=2021-05-22|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=2019-03-01|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=2021-05-22|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=2021-05-22|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=2021-05-22|website=NZ Herald|language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-06|title=Weighing in on the HSNO Act|url=https://biotechnz.org.nz/2019/11/06/weighing-in-on-the-hsno-act/|access-date=2021-05-22|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=2021-05-22|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=2021-05-22|website=Magic|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-04-18|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=2021-05-22|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=2021-05-22|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=2021-05-22|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Alessandra Orsi|date=2020-08-20|title=Innovation Debate|url=https://llgovtech.co.nz/blog-innovation-debate/|access-date=2021-05-22|website=GovTech Accelerator|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-08-24|title=It’s time to change New Zealand's policy on genetic modification|url=https://www.nbr.co.nz/node/222857|access-date=2021-05-22|website=NBR|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Edlin|first=Author Bob|date=2019-08-14|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=2021-05-22|website=NZIAHS|language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-10-25|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=2021-05-22|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 web|title=PressReader.com - Your favorite newspapers and magazines.|url=https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/the-new-zealand-herald/20191008/281788515810703|access-date=2021-05-22|website=www.pressreader.com}}</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=2021-05-22}}</ref> |
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During the [[2020 New Zealand general election|2020 general election]], |
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 to return as a listMP.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-19|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=2021-05-22|website=RNZ|language=en-nz}}</ref> |
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Parmar has 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=2021-05-22|website=NZ Herald|language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-08|title=Covid antibody testing needed to counter false negatives|url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/page/covid-antibody-testing-needed|access-date=2021-05-22|website=Newsroom|language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-23|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=2021-05-22|website=Newsroom|language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-18|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=2021-05-22|website=Newsroom|language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-09|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=2021-05-22|website=Newsroom|language=en-AU}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
Dr Parmjeet Parmar
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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 | National |
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) |
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Dr Parmjeet Parmar (born 1970)[1] is a New Zealand politician who was elected to the New Zealand parliament at the 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 03 Nov 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.
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. In Auckland, she gained a PhD in neuroscience and worked as a scientist. In 2007, Parmar and her husband became directors of confectionery company, Kiwi Empire Confectionery Limited.[2] 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.[3] The National Party appointed her to the board of the-then Families Commission in 2013. She entered Parliament as a National list MP in 2014.[3]
Years | Term | Electorate | List | Party | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014–2017 | 51st | List | 48 | National | |
2017–2020 | 52nd | List | 34 | National |
In early 2014, Parmar was photographed wearing a National Party ribbon with John Key at an Auckland event. This led to Labour MP Rajen Prasad questioning whether it was appropriate for Parmar to remain as a commissioner for the Families Commission, fuelled also by rumours of Parmar's potential of running as a candidate for the 2014 general election.[4]
Parmar 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. National, however, won the party vote in the electorate for the first time since the seat's formation.[5]
During the 2016 by-election and 2017 election, she again contested the seat of Mount Roskill, coming second to Labour's Michael Wood, and was re-elected as a list MP.[5]
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.[6] 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.[7]
Parmar’s Member’s Bill entitled the "Newborn Enrolment with General Practice Bill", was drawn and introduced in the House on 11 May 2017.[8] 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.[8]
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.[6]
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.[6]
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.[9]
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.[10]
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.[11][12] Parmar’s bill was drawn from the ballot in April 2018 and subsequently attracted attention from local patent attorneys,[13] the software industry,[14] and from overseas jurisdictions.[15][16][17][18] The Bill was ultimately unsuccessful at its first reading, as the Government did not support the Bill.
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.[19]
As a member of various inter-parliamentary associations during her second term she attended and spoke at national and international conferences including:
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.[23][24] 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.”[25]
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[26] and financial security for Crown Research Institutes.[27] 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 was such that start-up scientific sector didn’t initially qualify.[28][29][30] Furthermore, she advocated for funding to be awarded to the local scientific sector to invest in researching a COVID-19 vaccine.[31][32]
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.[33][34]
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.[35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50]
During the 2020 general election, Parmar again contested the Mount Roskill electorate and due to a significant swing towards the Labour Party was not able to to return as a list MP.[51]
Parmar has continued to remain active in the media.[52][53][54][55][56]
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