Why be an MP?

People ask me, why be an MP? Isn't Parliament an elite power structure designed to maintain the status quo? Of course, that's why we need to change it.

True power does not reside in Parliament. It lies in the hearts and lives of ordinary people. That's why most of my life has been committed to supporting grassroots participation in decision-making.

At the same time it is useful to have allies in Parliament who support community participation. Green MPs in particular, as parliamentary activists as opposed to politicians, have a responsibility to open up parliamentary processes to ordinary people.

I joined the Green Party in 1997 to help advance that kaupapa. In the run up to the 1999 election a number of Green Party members asked if I was going to stand for Parliament. My involvement with NORML, the Wild Greens and the GE Free movement had given me a public profile.

I thought hard about it. I knew that being an MP would mean a 70 hour week, no private life, a hostile and toxic working environment and a media feeding frenzy as soon as they discovered a dreadlock Rasta candidate who openly uses cannabis.

In the end I said yes. Not because I wanted to be an MP, but I thought it was important to demonstrate that we do not have to conform to bullshit assumptions in order to "make it". We can live our lives, true to ourselves, and still cut it.

I thought I would hate the job, but after 4 years I find that I like it. It is hard work, it is a hostile environment, it is frustrating and at times nauseating, but it is wicked to be in there, effecting change and making a difference.

And when I leave it will be wicked to be out there, effecting change and making a difference.