Hamish Hancock is a former National Party

New Zealand National Party

The New Zealand National Party is the largest party in the New Zealand House of Representatives and in November 2008 formed a minority government with support from three minor parties.-Policies:...

 MP for Horowhenua and a lawyer.

Education

Hancock attended Wellington College

Wellington College (New Zealand)

Wellington College is a state secondary school for boys in Mount Victoria in Wellington, New Zealand.-History:Wellington College opened in 1867 as Wellington Grammar School in Woodward Street, though Sir George Grey gave the school a deed of endowment in 1853. In 1874 it opened at its present...

 and Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria 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 earned an LLM. He was active as a debater at University, earning a debating blue, and was awarded the Plunket Medal for debating in 1970. Hancock was a member of the New Zealand national debating team in that year.

Legal career

Hancock practised as a solicitor for national law firm Rudd Watts and Stone, rising to a partnership.

Parliamentary career

Hancock was elected MP for the seat of Horowhenua

Horowhenua (New Zealand electorate)

Horowhenua was a New Zealand parliamentary electorate, from 1978 to 1996.-Population centres:The electorate covers the Horowhenua District, and the main towns are Levin.-History:...

, defeating sitting Labour MP Annette King

Annette King

Annette Faye King is a New Zealand politician. She is the current Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the New Zealand. She was a Cabinet Minister in the Fifth Labour Government of New Zealand.-Early life:...

 by a small majority, after National's landslide win in 1990

New Zealand general election, 1990

The 1990 New Zealand general election was held on 27 October to determine the composition of the 43rd New Zealand parliament. The governing Labour Party was defeated, ending its controversial two terms in office...

. He subsequently lost the seat to Labour MP Judy Keall

Judy Keall

Judith Mary Keall is a former New Zealand politician. She was an MP from 1984 to 1990, and again from 1993 to 2002, representing the Labour Party....

 in 1993

New Zealand general election, 1993

The 1993 New Zealand general election was held on 6 November 1993 to determine the composition of the 44th New Zealand Parliament. It saw the governing National Party, led by Jim Bolger, win a second term in office, despite a major swing back towards the Labour Party. The new Alliance and New...

.

Later career

Hancock returned to practise as a solicitor, joining the Crown Law Office as Crown Counsel for public law. He has defended the Crown against numerous public law actions, primarily in the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court.

Hancock is married to Shelley, and they have four sons.