In 1987 I was elected National Party Member for the Bay of Islands Electorate and, despite the size of the subsequent Northland Electorate, I still enjoy travelling around to meet and assist my constituents and representing them in Parliament. I have now represented the Northland seat for seven terms.
I am a fifth generation New Zealander; born, bred and educated in the North. I was born at Te Kopuru and educated at Otamatea College. When I first stood for Parliament, I was Principal Officer of the Hokianga County Council.
Being involved in the Community has always been really satisfying for me. In the Hokianga I was chairman of the Hokianga Community Health Committee. I have been involved with the Te Kuiti and Rawene Lions’ Clubs and I served on the Rawene Primary School committee. In Te Kuiti I was actively involved in the Local Rugby Club.
My involvement in the National Party also goes back a long way. I have held various executive positions in the National Party from 1980, and chaired the Bay of Islands electorate committee from 1982-1987. I was an Auckland divisional councillor from 1985-1987; before my nomination as candidate and election to Parliament.
I am interested in tennis, athletics and rugby (and still play, though it takes longer to recover these days!). I have five children and eight grandchildren.
I was appointed New Zealand's High Commissioner to the Cook Islands in 2011.
Most recent rôles in Parliament
I was:
- Minister of Civil Defence
- Minister for Senior Citizens
- Minister for Racing
- Associate Minister of Local Government
- Chairperson, Auckland Governance Legislation Committee
- Member of Health Select Committee
Earlier Parliamentary rôles
In my 22 years in Parliament I have undertaken many duties, most notably as Party Whip. I was appointed Junior Government Whip 1990-1993 and acted as Senior Whip from 30 November 1993 - 3 April 1995 and 19 December 1996 - 9 August 2004. From 2004 to November 2008, I was the National Party’s spokesperson for Local Government and for Civil Defence & Emergency Services.
In addition I have been:
- Chair of Internal Affairs, and Local Government Select Committees 1990-1993
- Member of Officers of Parliament Select Committee 1996-1999
- Member of Standing Orders Select Committee 1996-13 August 2004
- Former Spokesperson on Regional Development 15 August 2002-2 November 2003
- Civil Defence and Emergency Services 15 August 2002-2 November 2003
- Member of Local Government and Environment Select Committee
- Member of Social Services Select Committee
- Member of Business Committee 2002-13 August 2004
- Member of Regulations Review Committee - 13 August 2004
- Member of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committee
- Member of Privileges Select Committee
- The Head of Delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union 2005-2008
- Chairman of the Auckland Governance Legislation Select Committee
- Deputy-Chairperson of the Local Government & Environment Select Committee
These roles have given me an in-depth understanding of the business of government and this experience helps me to work smarter to meet the needs of my constituents.
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