I have proudly been the MP for Rongotai, formerly the Miramar seat, since 1993. The stunning Chatham Islands are part of the electorate and it is always a highlight of my year to visit the islands. http://www.chathams.com/

I’m originally from Murchison and trained as a school dental nurse and then became a tutor at the School of Dental Nurses in Wellington.  I completed a BA from Waikato University while working full time.  I was the MP for Horowhenua from 1984 until 1990.

I was appointed Under Secretary in 1987 and Minister in the 4th Labour Government 1989 – 1990.

In 1993 I was elected MP for Miramar.  I became the MP for Rongotai in 1996 with the introduction of MMP elections.

I was a Minister in the 5th Labour Government for 9 years, with Health, Transport and Police being three stand out portfolios.

After the 2008 election, I was delighted to take up the role of Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.  I was also the Labour Party’s spokesperson on Social Policy. 

Following my re-election to the Rongotai seat in the 2011 election, I stood down as Deputy Leader and took up the roles of Spokesperson for Housing and Local Government.

The issues of the Rongotai electorate will, as always, be at the heart of all I do in Parliament, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with the wonderful Wellingtonians that I represent.

Contact details:

Electorate office: Address: 25 Kilbirnie Plaza, Wellington
Phone: 04 387 2587
Email:  mp.rongotai@parliament.govt.nz
rongotai.mp@parliament.govt.nz

Parliamentary office:
Phone: 04 817 9103
Email:  a.king@parliament.govt.nz