A bit of light-hearted banter during Parliament's last day of the year has seen National MP Jerry Brownlee reject an offer to go on an intimate camping trip with Labour's David Parker.
Parker encouraged Brownlee to explore the Mt Aspiring National Park during the summer break, asking if he'd received his camping trip invitation.
Brownlee, who's not known for his love of the outdoors, replied: "On the one hand, I am deeply touched that the member wants to spend so much quality time in the High Country alone with me. But on the other, I notice that all I'm required to do is bring a pair of boots... I've seen that film Brokeback Mountain, so I'm afraid I remain unavailable!"
Amid laughter and applause around the debating chamber, Parker tried again: "Would the member reconsider if I offered to carry his pack?"
But Brownlee was having none of it: "Given the circumstances, not even if Hell freezes over!"
"Not even the spirit of Christmas causes me to make such a fundamental life change," he then asserted.
Watch Brownlee and Parker's jolly parliament 'debate' below.
