Chris Hipkins
Encyclopedia
Christopher John "Chris" Hipkins (born 13 September 1978) is a member of the New Zealand House of Representatives
. He is the Labour Party
MP for Rimutaka
, and was elected for the first time at the 2008 election
. Before his election, he worked as a senior adviser to the administration of Prime Minister Helen Clark
.
, where he was Student President in 2000 and 2001.
and Helen Clark
.
Following the election, Hipkins was appointed the Labour spokesperson for Internal Affairs.
In May 2010, Hipkins' Electricity (Renewable Preference) Amendment Bill was drawn from the member's ballot. It was defeated at its first reading in June.
New Zealand House of Representatives
The New Zealand House of Representatives is the sole chamber of the legislature of New Zealand. The House and the Queen of New Zealand form the New Zealand Parliament....
. He is the Labour Party
New Zealand Labour Party
The New Zealand Labour Party is a New Zealand political party. It describes itself as centre-left and socially progressive and has been one of the two primary parties of New Zealand politics since 1935....
MP for Rimutaka
Rimutaka (New Zealand electorate)
Rimutaka is an electorate returning one member to the New Zealand House of Representatives. The current representative is Chris Hipkins. He is a member of the Labour Party, and has represented the seat since 2008....
, and was elected for the first time at the 2008 election
New Zealand general election, 2008
The 2008 New Zealand general election was held on 8 November 2008 to determine the composition of the 49th New Zealand parliament. The conservative National Party, headed by its Parliamentary leader John Key, won a plurality of votes and seats, ending 9 years of government dominated by the social...
. Before his election, he worked as a senior adviser to the administration of Prime Minister Helen Clark
Helen Clark
Helen Elizabeth Clark, ONZ is a New Zealand political figure who was the 37th Prime Minister of New Zealand for three consecutive terms from 1999 to 2008...
.
Early life
Hipkins was born in the Hutt Valley. He attended Waterloo Primary School, Hutt Intermediate and Hutt Valley Memorial College (later known as Petone College), where he was the Head Boy in 1996. Chris went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Politics and Criminology at Victoria University of WellingtonVictoria University of Wellington
Victoria University of Wellington was established in 1897 by Act of Parliament, and was a former constituent college of the University of New Zealand. It is particularly well known for its programmes in law, the humanities, and some scientific disciplines, but offers a broad range of other courses...
, where he was Student President in 2000 and 2001.
Professional life
After graduating, Hipkins held a number of jobs, including working as a policy advisor for the Industry Training Federation, and as a training manager for Todd Energy in Taranaki. Hipkins also worked in Parliament as an advisor to Trevor MallardTrevor Mallard
Trevor Colin Mallard is a New Zealand politician. He was a Cabinet Minister in the Fifth Labour Government of New Zealand holding portfolios including Environment, Labour, Broadcasting, State Owned Enterprises, Rugby World Cup and Education. He was also Associate Minister of Finance.-Early...
and Helen Clark
Helen Clark
Helen Elizabeth Clark, ONZ is a New Zealand political figure who was the 37th Prime Minister of New Zealand for three consecutive terms from 1999 to 2008...
.
Member of Parliament
Hipkins was selected to stand in the Labour seat of Rimutaka, following the retirement of sitting MP Paul Swain. Hipkins won the seat with a majority of 753.Following the election, Hipkins was appointed the Labour spokesperson for Internal Affairs.
In May 2010, Hipkins' Electricity (Renewable Preference) Amendment Bill was drawn from the member's ballot. It was defeated at its first reading in June.