The event was billed as a meet-and-greet rather than a place for speeches, but Henry, sensing the crowd\u2019s interest, took to the floor, unintentionally standing beneath a Confederate flag.<\/p>\n
Paul Henry walking into the Black Dog Tavern in Makotuku near Dannevirke. Photo \/ Jack Riddell<\/p>\n
He explained the fundamental principles of Act \u2013 smaller government, reducing debt, growing the economy and \u201cone rule for all\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will go much harder and faster this time around than we did last time,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Henry opened the floor to questions, which included genetic engineering and the ethics of AI.<\/p>\n
\u201cAct doesn\u2019t want us to stand in the way of our future,\u201d he said of genetic engineering.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy biggest worry is our economy is in such a perilous position, we won\u2019t be in the position as a country to take advantage of the benefits of AI, we will just suffer the downside,\u201d he said of AI, adding the country couldn\u2019t afford to say no to data centres.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got to meet the rest of the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
He then briefly paused to share some penance.<\/p>\n
\u201cGod, I can talk, can\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n
Henry spoke of Act\u2019s commitment to cancer treatment to rival Australia\u2019s, and getting more Kiwis off the benefit.<\/p>\n
The 67-year-old was asked how committed he would be to Parliament.<\/p>\n
He said for two terms he was \u201cabsolutely committed\u201d.<\/p>\n
The questioner heaped praise upon Henry.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think you\u2019ve given more hope to New Zealand than anybody else.\u201d<\/p>\n
Paul Henry at the Black Dog Tavern. Photo \/ Jack Riddell<\/p>\n
They then told Henry they\u2019d felt betrayed by National because the party hadn\u2019t followed through on election promises surrounding \u201cthe M\u0101ori issue\u201d.<\/p>\n