About
Hon Chris Carter is the Member of Parliament for the electorate of Te Atatu, a seat he was first elected to in 1993. His majority in the 2008 general election was 5,298 votes.
Chris has been a long time human rights campaigner, believing all New Zealanders should be treated with respect regardless of their race, religion, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation.
Before entering politics Chris was a farmer, as well as a teacher; serving for more than 20 years in primary, intermediate, secondary and special schools.
In Parliament Chris has built on a keen interest in Education, Conservation, and Foreign Affairs. He served as a member of the Foreign Affairs and Trade Select Committee in his first term and in 1999 was Deputy Chairman of that Committee. In that same Parliament Chris served as the Junior Government Whip.
In 2002 Chris was elected by his colleagues to Cabinet. He has subsequently held a number of Ministerial portfolios including Conservation, Local Government, Ethnic Affairs, Housing, Building Issues and Education in the last Government.
Chris holds a Masters degree in History (Honours) from the University of Auckland and a teaching qualification from the Auckland Secondary Teachers’ College.
He lives in his electorate in Te Atatu South, Waitakere City, with his partner of more than three decades.
Chris’ hobbies include gardening, history and reading.
