Ross was born in Wellington but has lived in Auckland since 1962. Since that time he has had a strong connection to South Auckland, living and working in and for the area, and raising his family there.

Ross is a keen supporter of all sport, and in his younger years played representative rugby at junior level in Wellington. He went on to play for Auckland as a 20 year old, before turning to playing Rugby League for both the Otahuhu and Mangere East Clubs. He sees sport as integral for the health and wellbeing of our children, and is keen to promote children’s participation in any and all forms of sport.

Prior to entering Parliament Ross worked as an Industrial Engineer for 15 years. In 1987 he began his parliamentary career as the representative for Papatoetoe, and since then has held the seat (now Manukau East) with a comfortable majority. In the past two parliamentary terms he served as Assistant Speaker of the House, and currently holds a number of portfolios in opposition and is Deputy Chair of the Officers of Parliament Select Committee.

To complement his role as the MP for Manukau East, Ross attended Massey University in 2003 as an extramural student, graduating with a Diploma in Business Studies. He has also been involved for many years with Parliamentarians for Global Action, an international network of parliamentarians whose aims include the promotion of peace, democracy and the rule of law. This has given him the opportunity to meet and build a number of relationships that have been beneficial to him in his role as an MP.

Ross has served the people of Manukau for more than 21 years and particularly enjoys his electorate work, involving himself in the community as Patron of a number of local sporting and service clubs.

Contact details:

Parliamentary Office
Address: Freepost PO Box 18 888, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160
Phone: 04 817 9873
Email: ross.robertson@parliament.govt.nz

Papatoetoe Electorate Office
Address: PO Box 23327, 1/30 Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland
Phone: 09 278 9972 Fax: 09 278 9971
Email: rae.waterhouse@parliament.govt.nz

Otara Electorate Office
Address: PO Box 61175, 7 Fulton Crescent, Otara, Auckland
Phone: 09 274 9231 Fax: 09 274 9579
Email: michael.clatworthy@parliament.govt.nz