Authorised by P. Kaiser, 6 Sunrise Lane, Te Atatu South, Auckland - Copyright 2006 - Website credits

Chris Carter is New Zealand's Minister of Education, Minister responsible for the Education Review Office and Minister for Ethnic Affairs. He is the Labour Member of Parliament for Te Atatu, a diverse, West Auckland constituency.

Chris was first elected as the MP for Te Atatu in 1993.  Before entering Parliament, Chris had a long and successful career as a teacher.  He has held various teaching positions in a wide range of schools:

·        Teacher, Tamaki Intermediate School

·        English/History Teacher, Kelston Boys High School

·        Supply teacher in London Borough of Houndslow

·        Teacher, Otahuhu Intermediate

·        Deputy Principal, Arohanui Special School

·        Deputy Principal, Tirimoana Primary School

·        English/History Teacher, Rutherford High School

During his first term in Parliament, Chris established a keen interest in foreign affairs as a member of the Foreign Affairs and Trade Select Committee. From 1999, he served as deputy chairman of this committee, and remains a keen observer of international politics and events

In 2002, the Labour Party's caucus elected Chris to Cabinet after he survived a three-year stint as junior Government whip responsible for organising Labour's representation in Parliament's debating chamber.

He held the portfolios of Conservation, Local Government, Building Issues, and Ethnic Affairs until the General Election in 2005.  After that election he held the Conservation, Housing and Ethnic Affairs portfolios. 

During this time, he was instrumental in significantly increasing funding for conservation and achieving the protection of over 220,000 hectares of spectacular landscape in New Zealand. He completed a significant modernisation of the legislative framework for local government, secured record levels of government investment in community infrastructure, such as roads, and was a vocal advocate for ethnic people all over the country.  As Minister of Housing Chris continued the government’s commitment to increase Housing Corporation’s stock of state houses.  He set in place initiatives to address housing affordability.

In the 2007 Cabinet reshuffle, he was given his current portfolio responsibilities. 

Chris holds a Masters Degree in History (with Honours) and a teaching qualification from the Auckland College of Education.  He lives in Te Atatu South with his partner of 34 years, and is a keen gardener. He loves the outdoors and travels extensively.