Saturday 17 November 2007

Labour Selects Wellington Central Candidate

The Labour Party today selected Grant Robertson as its candidate for the Wellington Central electorate at next years election. Mr Robertson’s candidacy was endorsed at a meeting of around 100 Labour members and supporters.

Jeremy Greenbrook-Held, Deputy Chair of the Wellington Central Labour Electorate Committee said that the endorsement of Mr Robertson was resounding. "We are thrilled to have selected Grant as our candidate, and will now focus on the campaign ahead and retaining Wellington Central for
Labour."

Mr Robertson, 36, is a former public servant and diplomat, student leader and Prime Ministerial advisor. He currently works in Wellington as a research and business manager for Otago University.

“I am grateful for the support that the electorate organisation and the wider party has shown me by selecting me today. Wellington has thrived under a Labour led government, and I am really looking forward to promoting our vision for a sustainable future for our city and country”, Mr Robertson said.

“I love Wellington. It is the city I chose to move to twelve years ago, and it is where I have established my roots. My skills and experience will, if elected, allow me to be a strong advocate for the people of this electorate”, Mr Robertson said.

Mr Robertson paid tribute to Wellington Central MP Marian Hobbs, who will retire at the next election. “Marian has built a remarkable connection with the diverse communities of Wellington Central. Her passion, energy and commitment have been unstinting. I want to continue and build on Marian’s work across the electorate”.

“Labour is taking nothing for granted in Wellington Central. I will need to earn the respect and support of voters. I am proud of what Labour has achieved in eight years in government, and I also recognise that there is more to do to make New Zealand an even better, fairer and more prosperous place”, Mr Robertson said.

SUMMARY CURRICULUM VITAE

Grant Murray Robertson

Born: Palmerston North, New Zealand, 30 October 1971

Educational Qualifications: BA (Hons) (First Class) in Political Studies, University of Otago, 1994

Work History

Current: Senior Business Manager, University of Otago (Wellington)

Previous:
• Senior Political Advisor, Office of the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Helen Clark
• Senior Advisor, Office of Hon Marian Hobbs (Minister for the Environment, Broadcasting)
• Diplomat, New Zealand Permanent Mission to the United Nations, New York
• Policy Officer, Environment Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Development Programme Manager (Samoa), Development Cooperation Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Co-President, New Zealand University Students Association
• President, Otago University Students Association

Other Positions Held

Current: Trustee, New Zealand Aids Foundation; Member, Wellington Fair Trade Communities Initiative Steering Group

Previous: Member and Vice President of UNDP/UNFPA Executive Board;
Deputy Chairperson, Student Job Search Aotearoa; Member, NZ Vice Chancellors Committee On University Academic Programmes; Member, University of Otago Council; Chairperson, Student Job Search Otago

Labour Party Experience

Current: Chair, New Zealand Labour Party Foreign Policy Committee (also member of Party Policy Council); Co-Chair, New Zealand Labour Party Rainbow Sector Council; Member, Wellington Central LEC, Deputy Chairperson, Harbour Branch.

Previous: Member, Campaign Committee, Wellington Central 2002 and 2005; Chair, Harbour Branch; Secretary, Thorndon Branch.

ENDS

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