Benjamin Doyle valedictory statement

Benjamin Doyle delivered their valedictory statement to Parliament on 18 September 2025, closing a chapter in which they had entered politics under unexpected circumstances. They began by acknowledging that while their entry into the House had not been by choice, their departure was. This decision, they explained, was rooted in their commitment to place their child above all else. Doyle framed their reasoning around the idea that if children are the reason for entering public service, they must also be the reason for stepping away.

They spoke candidly about the challenges they faced within Parliament, describing it as an institution not built for people like them. Doyle reflected on the colonial foundations of the political system, emphasising that it was constructed on exclusion, control, and the hoarding of power. They explained that although they did not dismiss the potential for change from within, they had learned that the personal price was too high, bringing violence and hate upon themselves and their community.

Doyle shared personal experiences of threats and intimidation, including having to remove their child from school for safety reasons and avoiding ordinary activities such as going to the supermarket or collecting the mail. These situations underscored the dangers of public life for someone in their position. Yet, despite these challenges, they stressed their determination to remain true to their values and their community, even when advised not to return to Parliament for safety reasons.

They highlighted the sacrifices required in political life, often putting kaupapa, community, and the planet before their own wellbeing. However, Doyle declared that no cause outweighed the love and responsibility they held for their child. This conviction ultimately led to their decision to resign, knowing that the fight for justice and equality would continue both inside and outside the House.

In their assessment of Parliament, Doyle did not shy away from strong critique. They described it as a hostile and toxic environment, especially for anyone who did not fit the archetype of a cisgender, straight, white man in a suit. They argued that New Zealand must confront the reality that its political system, inherited from a colonial empire, is unfit for purpose. Doyle called for rebuilding a system that reflects Aotearoa’s communities and values. They stressed that true revolution begins in hearts and minds but must extend beyond thought into collective action rooted in love, vision, and hope.

Doyle connected their personal departure to broader global struggles. They highlighted ongoing violence and injustices, referencing Gaza, Yemen, Syria, and other regions where human dignity is under assault. They condemned environmental destruction, exploitation of resources, and the erosion of Indigenous rights. They also spoke out against violence towards trans communities, degradation of disabled people, control over women’s bodies, neglect of children’s voices, and the stripping of rights from people in prison. Their overarching message was that there can be no peace or justice until everyone is free.

They warned that if Parliament failed to recognise this truth, it would be left behind as communities forged their own future. Doyle expressed solidarity with those continuing the struggle both within and outside Parliament and urged collective action to build a society worthy of passing on to future generations.

In closing, Doyle returned to the words of poets. They recalled that their maiden speech had ended with a poem by Palestinian poet Refat Alarir, killed during what Doyle termed Israel’s ongoing genocide. For their final address, they chose Tina Ngata’s poem “Rekindled.” The verses spoke of truth as a flame that may smoulder but never dies, rekindling through generations. Doyle recited passages evoking resilience, whakapapa, identity, and love for future generations, affirming that the flame of justice and survival continues to burn.

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Benjamin Doyle

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