Speaking in reply to Prime Minister Helen Clark’s statement to Parliament signalling the opening of the Parliamentary year, Mr Adams said better behaviour from MPs would be a sign of maturity in New Zealand politics.

He said MPs should debate “issues heartily, but avoid pulling down the person involved in the debate”.

Mr Adams emphasised the need for strong families as the basis of a strong New Zealand society, and the key role the Families Commission, a United Future initative coming into being in July next year, will play in helping families.

“A society with the family in order has far less problems… Building the families of New Zealand will do more to boost our economy than any other single issue,” he said.

Mr Adams said another challenge for Parliament this year was to provide an environment where New Zealanders could become the best they could be.

“Young people in particular need to be given a positive hope for their future in this nation.

“They don’t need hand-outs; they need good role models to follow,” he said.

Ends.