Hon Jack Elder

• Minister of Internal Affairs
• Minister of Civil Defence
• Associate Minister of Local Government
• List MP

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BIOGRAPHY

The Hon Jack Elder was returned to Parliament in the 1996 General Election as a member of New Zealand First, and was appointed to the coalition Government Cabinet with the portfolios of Police, Internal Affairs and Civil Defence.

After the dissolution of the Coalition Government in August 1998, Mr Elder became a Minister outside Cabinet with the portfolios of Internal Affairs, Civil Defence and Associate Minister of Local Government.

In this process Mr Elder left New Zealand First and later joined the Mauri Pacific Party.

Mr Elder entered Parliament after contesting the 1984 snap election as the Labour candidate for West Auckland, holding the seat in the 1987 and 1990 elections. In 1993 he was returned to Parliament as the Member for the new seat of Henderson.

He served on the Internal Affairs and Local Government Select Committee from 1984 to 1990, and was chairman from 1987 onwards. Mr Elder worked on the Primary Production Select Committee from 1990 to 1996 and has also worked on the Social Services and the Defence Select Committees.

On 3 April 1996, Mr Elder resigned from the Labour Party and joined New Zealand First.

Mr Elder was a New Lynn Borough Councillor from 1976 to 1983, and was Chairman of the Finance Committee for much of that time. He was Deputy Mayor from 1980-83. He was a foundation member of the Portage Licensing Trust from 1972-80.

Before entering Parliament, Mr Elder was a teacher, first at Henderson High School, 1974-77, then at Rutherford High School, 1979-81. In 1978 he also tutored at the Carrington Technical Institute. He spent two terms as a Branch Chairman of the Post Primary Teachers Association.

Educated at Kelston Boys High School, Mr Elder was Head Prefect and captain of the 1st XV rugby team. He graduated from Auckland University with a B.A. in history and political studies, and an M.A. (Hons) in political studies.

Mr Elder was born on 3 July 1949, and grew up in the state housing area of New Lynn. His interests include athletics, swimming, football and reading. His wife Claire died on November 13, 1999. There is one son, Edward.