Chris Carter is the MP for the electorate of Te Atatū, a seat he was first elected to in 1993. His majority in the 2008 general election was 5,298 votes.

Chris has been a long time human rights campaigner, believing all New Zealanders should be treated with respect regardless of their race, religion, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

Before entering politics Chris was a farmer, as well as a teacher; serving in for more than 20 years in primary, intermediate, secondary and special schools.

In Parliament Chris has built on a keen interest in Education, Conservation, and Foreign Affairs. He served as a member of the Foreign Affairs and Trade Select Committee in his first term and in 1999 was Deputy Chairman of that Committee. In that same Parliament Chris served as the New Zealand Labour Party’s Junior Government Whip.

In 2002 Chris was elected by his colleagues to Cabinet. He has subsequently held a number of Ministerial portfolios including Conservation, Local Government, Ethnic Affairs, Housing, Building Issues and Education.

In the 49th Parliament Chris is the New Zealand Labour Party Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Ethnic Affairs.

Chris holds a Masters degree in History (Honours) from the University of Auckland and a teaching qualification from the Auckland Secondary Teachers’ College.

He lives in Te Atatu South, Waitakere City, with his partner of more than three decades, Peter Kaiser.

Chris' hobbies include gardening, history, travel and reading.

Contact details:

Parliamentary office
Phone: 04 817 6568
Email: chris.carter@parliament.govt.nz

Electorate office
Address: PO Box 21-983, 300 Great North Road, Henderson, Auckland
Phone: 09 835 0915
Email: margaret.sutton@parliament.govt.nz