Deborah grew up in Taranaki before heading off to university to study accounting and finance. After working as an accountant for several years, she returned to university to study philosophy, completing a PhD in political philosophy. Her thesis considered how we can change our government systems to make them more responsive to diverse communities. Deborah has lectured at universities in New Zealand and Australia in philosophy, ethics, management and taxation. She is the co-author of a book about New Zealand’s tax system, “Tax and Fairness”.

In her spare time, Deborah is a homebody, enjoying cooking, gardening and craft, as well as reading fiction. She also likes walking the trails around Titirangi and in the Waitakere Ranges.

Deborah has held the portfolios of Minister of Statistics, Minister Responsible for the Earthquake Commission, as well as the Associate Minister of Justice and Associate Minister of Revenue.