Mark Gosche speaks of personal tragedies

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Mark Gosche left Parliament last night after a valedictory speech in which he spoke about his seriously ill wife and the death of his son.

Mr Gosche came to Parliament as a list member in 1996 and was elected MP for Maungakiekie in 1999.

He was a cabinet minister until 2003, when he stepped down so he could spend more time looking after his wife.

His son Christian died last December.

"It's Carol's birthday today," he said.

"We've been together since 1974 when we met as teenagers.

"When she was struck down with a brain haemorrhage in 2002 our lives changed forever. Carol requires 24/7 total care and always will."

Mr Gosche said his wife had been cared for at home for the last three-and-a-half years.

He said 22 New Zealanders suffered a stroke every day.

"I would forego a thousand tax cuts if I were able to access the treatment and services that Carol needs, and would receive if she were covered by ACC."

Speaking about his son he said: "I ask on behalf of hundreds of families like ours that efforts continue to reduce our suicide rate and to find answers so we can avoid the grief."

Mr Gosche's only severe criticism was about the deregulated labour market.

"This insane idea that we must all be available to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, has ruined family life for many," he said.

"Many parents just aren't there...this is what lies behind the youth gang problems of the poor streets and the drug problems of the rich, leafy suburbs.

"Employers must pay more than lip service to the need for proper work-life balance or our government must legislate."

Mr Gosche said some people went into politics to be something, and others went into politics to do something.

"I hope I will be remembered as one of the latter."

- NZPA