I grew up in Mt Roskill and South Auckland. It's a great place to live. My wife Mary and I live on a small farm near Ardmore where we run a few cattle and sheep. We have three children. Our two sons are tradesmen and our daughter is currently working in London.

My dad Bruce plays a big role in our lives too and is a regular visitor to our home. His mum had a really tough life. Her husband died when he was young and she was left bringing up 3 children on the widow's benefit. She really struggled to make ends meet.

But Labour was there for her and gave her a helping hand. I joined Labour because it is the party that stands alongside Kiwis in the tough times and gives them the chance to build a better life.

I got a great start in life and that's something I want for all our children. I went to Three Kings Primary School, Kedgley Intermediate and Papatoetoe High School and supported myself through university by working seven seasons at the freezing works. Working was part of my education.

I graduated with a Masters degree in Politics with first class honours and also won the Butterworth Prize for Law. I later received a Foreign and Commonwealth Office scholarship to study at Oxford University in the United Kingdom.

I was a senior Cabinet Minister in the last Labour Government and have been responsible for Foreign Affairs, Trade, Justice, Education, Defence, Corrections, Housing, Employment, Environment, Tourism, Youth Affairs and Pacific Island Affairs.

I've learned a lot about what works and what doesn't in Government. My experience has also taught me that when you get things wrong, you learn from your mistakes and you don't repeat them.

I'm lucky that my job allows me to meet Kiwis from all walks of life. Its a privilege and motivates me in my desire to help build a country where everyone gets a fair go and the opportunity to create a secure and prosperous future.

We must own our own future on November 26. We cannot let it be sold off.

We must make the tough decisions, tackle the tough problems, like youth unemployment, ease the pressure from the rising cost of living and address the growing gap between rich and poor.

I will be bold and make the decisions that must be made to secure a long-term prosperous future for all Kiwis. That is my promise to you.

Top 5 Issues

Personal Profile