By Scott Campbell
Parliament's final day is normally saved for personal and party attacks as politicians try for one last hit. But today the Christmas joy had the house in fits, as Labour's David Parker asked Gerry Brownlee out on a date in the high country.
"Has the minister received my invitation, dated 16 December, to accompany me after Parliament rises on the Gillespie Path walking circuit in the northeastern part of the Mt Aspiring National Park?"
Mr Brownlee responded: "I am deeply touched that the member wants to spend so much quality time alone with me in the high country."
Mr Parker had hoped to embarrass Mr Brownlee by inviting him to trek in DOC land Labour says is to be mined, but continuing the jovial mood, Mr Brownlee declined.
"I noticed that all I'm required to do is bring a pair of boots," says Mr Brownlee.
"I think to myself, Mr Speaker, I've seen that film Brokeback Mountain, so I'm afraid I remain unavailable."
But the jokes didn't stop there, as Mr Brownlee was quizzed whether he expected any other friendly offers from the opposition.
"I expect to receive a tramping invitation from the Hon Shane Jones to tramp up and down Queen St and drop into the McDonalds where we will have lunch with Parekura Horomia."
Mr Horomia responded: "Point of order - I wouldn't want Mr Brownlee to go away ill-informed, it was Burger King, not McDonalds."
And with that, the class of '09 was out for summer.
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