Grant Robertson
Grant Robertson | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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![]() Robertson in 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assumed office 1 July 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chancellor | Stephen Higgs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preceded by | David Murdoch | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
19th Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In office 6 November 2020 – 25 January 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prime Minister | Jacinda Ardern | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preceded by | Winston Peters | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Succeeded by | Carmel Sepuloni | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
29th Minister of Foreign Affairs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In office 11 November 2023 – 27 November 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prime Minister | Chris Hipkins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preceded by | Nanaia Mahuta | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Succeeded by | Winston Peters | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12th Minister of Disarmament and Arms Control | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In office 11 November 2023 – 27 November 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prime Minister | Chris Hipkins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preceded by | Nanaia Mahuta | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Succeeded by | Office abolished | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
42nd Minister of Finance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In office 26 October 2017 – 27 November 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prime Minister | Jacinda Ardern Chris Hipkins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preceded by | Steven Joyce | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Succeeded by | Nicola Willis | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12th Leader of the House | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In office 1 February 2023 – 27 November 2023 Acting: 25 January 2023 – 1 February 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prime Minister | Chris Hipkins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preceded by | Chris Hipkins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Succeeded by | Chris Bishop | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11th Minister for Sport and Recreation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In office 26 October 2017 – 27 November 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prime Minister | Jacinda Ardern Chris Hipkins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preceded by | Jonathan Coleman | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Succeeded by | Chris Bishop | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Wellington Central | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In office 8 November 2008 – 14 October 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preceded by | Marian Hobbs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Succeeded by | Tamatha Paul | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Labour party list | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In office 14 October 2023 – 22 March 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Succeeded by | Glen Bennett | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Personal details | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Born | Grant Murray Robertson 30 October 1971 Palmerston North, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Political party | Labour | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Spouse |
Alf Kaiwai (m. 2009) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residence | Northland, Wellington | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alma mater | University of Otago | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Website | grantrobertson | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Grant Murray Robertson (born 30 October 1971) is a retired New Zealand politician and member of the Labour Party who served as the Minister of Finance from 2017 to 2023, as Minister of Foreign Affairs in November 2023, and as the 19th Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand from 2020 to 2023. He was the member of Parliament (MP) for Wellington Central from 2008 to 2023.
Robertson maintained and competed for several leadership positions during the party's stint in opposition following the end of the Fifth Labour Government. He was elected Labour's deputy leader in 2011 under leader David Shearer, and contested the leadership of the party in both 2013[1][2] and 2014. Subsequently, Robertson was named the party's finance spokesperson and was ranked third on Labour's party list. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern appointed him to the finance portfolio in the Sixth Labour Government. As finance minister, Robertson has been prominent in the government's economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand.
Following the 2020 general election he was appointed the 19th Deputy Prime Minister by Prime Minister Ardern. Robertson assumed the role on 6 November.[3] Following the 2023 general election, Robertson resigned on 22 March 2024 to assume the position of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago.[4]
Early life
[edit]Robertson was born in Palmerston North, the youngest of three boys. His Presbyterian family lived in Hastings before settling in South Dunedin. His mother, Yvonne Wilkie, initially stayed at home before later becoming a teacher. His father, Douglas Robertson, was an accountant and Presbyterian lay-preacher, who was imprisoned in 1991 for stealing around $120,000 from the law firm he worked for.[5] His grandfather Bob Wilkie ran unsuccessfully for Labour in the Wairarapa electorate in 1954 and 1957.[5] Robertson had a paper round as a boy and at 16 he got his first job at a New World supermarket in Dunedin in the fruit and vegetable department preparing fruit and vegetables for display and sale.[6]
Robertson attended King's High School in Dunedin, where he was head boy.[5] He then studied political studies at the University of Otago, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts with honours in 1995.[7] His honours dissertation studied the restructuring of the New Zealand University Students' Association in the 1980s.[8] Robertson served as President of the Otago University Students' Association in 1993 and as co-president of the New Zealand University Students' Association in 1996.[5][9]
Robertson was interested in politics from a young age. In 2021, North & South described him, at age 10, as having "memorised every major candidate and their electorate in the 1981 general election."[10] Robertson viewed former prime minister David Lange—"an overweight guy with glasses"—as an early political inspiration.[11]
Professional life
[edit]Robertson joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) in 1997 after leaving university. His overseas postings included the United Nations in New York. Robertson also managed the NZ Overseas Aid Programme to Samoa – a $7.7 million fund with projects in diverse areas such as basic education, healthcare, public sector capacity building, small business development and the empowerment of women.[citation needed] He left MFAT in 2001.[5]
Robertson returned to New Zealand during the first term of the Fifth Labour Government to work as a ministerial advisor to minister for the environment Marian Hobbs and, later, prime minister Helen Clark. His role in Clark`s office included liaising with the smaller parties supporting the government.[10] He also had a role in designing Labour's interest-free student loans policy, which was credited with winning the election for Labour.[10][12] Robertson's influence reportedly resulted in him having the nickname "H3", with "H1" and "H2" being Clark and her chief of staff Heather Simpson respectively.[13]
After the 2005 election, Robertson left the Prime Minister's office to work as a senior research marketing manager for the University of Otago based at the Wellington School of Medicine.[14]
Political career
[edit]Years | Term | Electorate | List | Party | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2008–2011 | 49th | Wellington Central | 46 | Labour | |
2011–2014 | 50th | Wellington Central | 14 | Labour | |
2014–2017 | 51st | Wellington Central | 3 | Labour | |
2017–2020 | 52nd | Wellington Central | 4 | Labour | |
2020–2023 | 53rd | Wellington Central | 3 | Labour | |
2023–2024 | 54th | List | 4 | Labour |
2008 general election
[edit]In late 2006, the sitting Labour MP for Wellington Central Marian Hobbs announced that she would be retiring at the 2008 New Zealand general election. Robertson was considered to be a front runner[15] and was subsequently selected unopposed.[16] Robertson ran a well-staffed campaign, based on local issues like the closure of the Crossways Community Centre and threats to the Public Service. He was also involved in the formation of a Wellington inner-city residents' association.[17]
The Labour Party list for the 2008 general election ranked Robertson at number 46.[18] In the Wellington Central electorate, Robertson defeated National Party candidate Stephen Franks by 1,904 votes.[19]
First term, 2008–2011
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/66/Grant_Robertson_Post_Budget_Meeting.jpg/220px-Grant_Robertson_Post_Budget_Meeting.jpg)
Helen Clark's government was defeated at the 2008 election. Robertson was appointed as the opposition's spokesperson for state services, and associate spokesperson for arts, culture and heritage and foreign affairs by new Labour leader Phil Goff.[20]
In May 2010 Robertson's Ethical Investment (Crown Financial Institutions) Bill was drawn from the member's ballot.[21][22][23] According to Robertson, the Bill "sought to have clear and consistent criteria for ethical investment in the legislation that govern our major investment funds such as the Super Fund and ACC."[24] Although the Bill gained support from MPs in the Green and Māori parties, the Bill was defeated at its first reading.[25]
On 15 June 2010, Goff promoted Robertson to be spokesperson for tertiary education and the 20th-ranked Labour MP, the highest of the 2008 intake of Labour MPs to be promoted at that point.[26]
In the election year reshuffle, on 2 February 2011, Robertson was further promoted to the front bench to take the health portfolio.[27] Commenting on the promotion, Phil Goff said that Robertson has "made a very strong impact in a very short time" and that he "has a promising future ahead of him."[28]
Second term, 2011–2014
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/21/Grant_Robertson_%2810147870444%29.jpg/220px-Grant_Robertson_%2810147870444%29.jpg)
During the 2011 New Zealand general election, Robertson retained Wellington Central by a margin of 6,376 votes, defeating National's candidate Paul Foster-Bell.[29] Following the 2011 election, which Labour lost, and Annette King's resignation as Labour deputy leader, Robertson was elected by the Labour caucus as the new deputy leader under David Shearer. In Shearer's shadow Cabinet, Robertson also served as spokesperson for employment, skills and training, and arts, culture and heritage.[30]
Following Shearer's resignation from the leadership in 2013, Robertson contested the party-wide leadership election. Although Robertson achieved the plurality support from his colleagues in caucus, David Cunliffe garnered more support from party members and affiliates to win the overall vote.[2] Under Cunliffe's leadership, Robertson was the third-ranked Labour MP and held various portfolios including spokesperson for economic development and shadow Leader of the House.[31][32]
Throughout 2014, Robertson was critical of National Party minister Judith Collins, after she was accused of having a conflict of interest in regards to her visiting the dairy products company Oravida in China. He repeatedly called for her to resign during the Oravida saga, and when Collins later released information to the media about 1 News journalist Katie Bradford, he reiterated his call for her to resign, claiming she had "lost all perspective".[33]
Third term, 2014–2017
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e7/Grant_Robertson_2015_%28cropped%29.jpg/170px-Grant_Robertson_2015_%28cropped%29.jpg)
During the 2014 New Zealand general election, Robertson retained Wellington Central by a margin of 8,267 votes, defeating National's candidate Paul Foster-Bell.[34]
Overall, the Labour Party performed poorly and Cunliffe immediately came under pressure to resign. He was seen by some in the party as taking insufficient blame for the defeat. Media reports suggest that some of the Labour caucus were trying to get Cunliffe to resign so Robertson and Jacinda Ardern could replace the current leadership unopposed.[35] On 26 September, the voting record in the previous leadership race of unions affiliated to Labour was released, showing Cunliffe had won very strong union support in the previous race, and highlighting the challenge for Robertson's bid.[36]
On 28 September, after Cunliffe had signalled his intention to resign, Robertson put his name forward to run for the Labour Party leadership. Robertson pointed to Labour's poor performance in the election as leading him to run: "I couldn't stand by and see the party poll at 24 per cent and not do something now that David's triggered the contest. That's why I've put my name forward." He also argued that the Labour Party needed unity, and he would be a unifying figure, with the support of most of the Labour caucus. Because there were four candidates for the leadership, the Labour Party held a leadership election.[37]
Robertson lost the leadership election to Andrew Little by a small margin, Little receiving 50.52 per cent of the vote to Robertson's 49.48 per cent after the votes from the other unsuccessful candidates had been reallocated. However Robertson once again won the support of most of the caucus, as well as a majority of the membership. After the results were announced, Robertson said he would not seek the Labour Party leadership again in the future.[38]
In Andrew Little's shadow cabinet reshuffle of November 2014, Robertson received the finance portfolio, and was ranked number 3 on the Labour list.[30] Robertson chaired the Labour Party's "Future of Work Commission," a two-year-long policy investigation.[39][40] The final report was released in 2016.[41]
Robertson said his aims for the portfolio were to cut down on the number of policies, and "humanise" the policy.[42]
Fourth term, 2017–2020
[edit]During the 2017 New Zealand general election, Robertson retained Wellington Central by a margin of 9,963, defeating National's candidate Nicola Willis.[43]
Following Labour's formation of a coalition government with New Zealand First and the Greens,[44] Robertson was elected as a Cabinet minister by the Labour Party caucus. He was given the key role of finance minister by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, along with the portfolios of Minister for Sport and Recreation and associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage.[45]
On 27 June 2019, Robertson was appointed as Minister Responsible for the Earthquake Commission, succeeding Megan Woods.[46][47]
As finance minister, Robertson was a close confidant of Ardern. During the New Zealand government's COVID-19 response, Robertson would sometimes deputise for Ardern at her daily press conferences. Their close working relationship led some commentators to describe him as her "de facto political deputy," over Labour Party deputy leader Kelvin Davis.[48][49]
Fifth term, 2020–2023
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/42/Dame_Patsy_with_the_Prime_Minister_and_Deputy_Prime_Minister_%28cropped%29.jpg/220px-Dame_Patsy_with_the_Prime_Minister_and_Deputy_Prime_Minister_%28cropped%29.jpg)
During the 2020 New Zealand general election, Robertson retained Wellington Central by a margin of 18,878, defeating National's candidate Nicola Willis.[50] Labour won a landslide victory during that election, winning 54.3% of the party vote.[51]
He was eventually appointed Deputy Prime Minister after the 2020 election when deputy party leader Kelvin Davis declined the position.[52][53] Robertson also retained his portfolios as minister of finance and minister for sport & recreation, and added the ministerial portfolios for infrastructure and racing.
In mid-February 2021, Robertson pulled out of his weekly interview slots with Peter Williams' Magic Talk radio show after Williams questioned him about his views on the implications of the World Economic Forum's Great Reset for New Zealand. Robertson reportedly stated that he would no longer appear on the show since he did not want to "shoot down conspiracy theories."[54][55]
In December 2022 commentator Morgan Godfrery lauded his handling of the finance portfolio.[56]
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced her resignation on 19 January 2023. Robertson immediately responded that he would not be seeking election as her successor but that he would contest the 2023 general election.[57][58] He also stood down as deputy prime minister, but continued as finance minister and also became Leader of the House and, after Cyclone Gabrielle struck parts of New Zealand, Minister for Cyclone Recovery.[59] He was briefly Minister of Foreign Affairs in November 2023 after incumbent Nanaia Mahuta lost her re-election bid.[60]
Sixth term, 2023–2024
[edit]During the 2023 New Zealand general election, Robertson declined to contest Wellington Central and opted to run as a list-only candidate.[61] He was subsequently re-elected as a list MP.[62]
On 30 November 2023, Robertson became speaker for finance and racing in the Shadow Cabinet of Chris Hipkins.[63]
On 5 December 2023, Robertson was granted retention of the title The Honourable, in recognition of his term as a member of the Executive Council.[64]
On 20 February 2024 Robertson announced he was retiring from politics in March to take up a new job as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago, commencing 1 July 2024.[65][66] His resignation led to a reshuffle in Hipkins' shadow cabinet, with Barbara Edmonds assuming Robertson's finance portfolio. Glen Bennett also entered Parliament on the Labour Party list.[4][66]
University of Otago vice-chancellor
[edit]Robertson assumed the role of Vice-chancellor of the University of Otago during a welcoming ceremony on 1 July 2024.[67] Following news of his appointment, University chancellor Stephen Higgs said it was unanimously supported by the university council. His appointment received a mixed reception from donors. While some were supportive, several objected to appointing a former politician due to his non-academic background and record as Finance Minister. Several alumni withheld donations and funding to Otago University as a result of Robertson's appointment as Vice-Chancellor.[68]
Personal life
[edit]Robertson lives in the suburb of Northland, in Wellington City, with his partner Alf, whom he met through playing rugby together for the Wellington-based Krazy Knights, New Zealand's first gay rugby team.[69] After 10 years in a relationship, they held a civil union ceremony in January 2009.[70]
In his maiden statement (given on 9 December 2008), Robertson alluded to his sexuality as a part, but not the whole, of his identity:
I am proud and comfortable with who I am. Being gay is part of who I am, just as is being a former diplomat, a fan of the mighty ... Wellington Lions, and a fan of New Zealand music and New Zealand literature. My political view is defined by my sexuality only inasmuch as it has given me an insight into how people can be marginalised and discriminated against, and how much I abhor that. I am lucky that I have largely grown up in a generation that is not fixated on issues such as sexual orientation. I am not—and neither should others be.[69][71][72]
In a 2012 interview with Guyon Espiner, he hit out at the suggestion that being gay could prevent him from understanding the concerns of ordinary New Zealanders:
That’s one of the things that irritates me the most. How can you say that? That someone won’t understand New Zealanders because they’re gay. I understand all sorts of things about being a New Zealander. I understand what happens when your dad goes to prison. I understand what it’s like when the All Blacks lose. You know? I understand what it’s like when you’re trying to work out if you’ve got enough money to do [renovation] to the house? It’s bullshit.[5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Grant Robertson to contest leadership". The New Zealand Herald. 25 August 2013. Archived from the original on 16 October 2018. Retrieved 25 August 2013.
- ^ a b "Cunliffe wins Labour leadership". Stuff.co.nz. 15 September 2013. Archived from the original on 9 October 2018. Retrieved 15 September 2013.
- ^ Mishra, Stuti (2 November 2020). "Jacinda Ardern appoints first openly gay deputy PM and foreign minister with Maori face tattoo". The Independent. Archived from the original on 27 November 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
- ^ a b "Grant Robertson retires from politics, appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago". The New Zealand Herald. 20 February 2024. Archived from the original on 19 February 2024. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f Espiner, Guyon (3 March 2012). "Profile: Labour deputy Grant Robertson". New Zealand Listener. Archived from the original on 27 March 2016. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
- ^ Sowman-Lund, Stewart (14 March 2023). "What jobs did our MPs do before they were in parliament?". Stuff. Archived from the original on 14 March 2023. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
- ^ Gibb, John (13 April 2010). "Concern over archives restructuring". Otago Daily Times. Archived from the original on 21 July 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2014.
- ^ Robertson, Grant (1994). "A step to the right" : the restructuring of the New Zealand University Students Association in 1986 (Bachelors with Honours thesis). OUR Archive, University of Otago. hdl:10523/2712. Archived from the original on 7 June 2023. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
- ^ "History". Students Aotearoa. New Zealand Union of Students' Associations. Archived from the original on 6 February 2021. Retrieved 28 September 2014.
- ^ a b c Abraham, Matt (8 May 2021). "Grant Robertson: The Man In Charge Of The Money". North & South Magazine. Archived from the original on 24 November 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ Hunt, Tom (6 March 2015). "A joke that made the world take notice". Stuff. Archived from the original on 24 November 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ Corlett, Eva (13 May 2022). "As the shine comes off NZ Labour, Grant Robertson hopes his budget can steady the ship". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 12 December 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ Clifton, Jane (1 November 2008). "Street party central". New Zealand Listener. Archived from the original on 29 October 2008. Retrieved 22 November 2008.
- ^ ""Ground-breaking" Appointment to Otago University". University of Otago. Archived from the original on 27 September 2006.
- ^ "Marian Hobbs retires |". Kiwiblog. 19 December 2006. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
- ^ "Grant Robertson Labour's pick for Wellington Central". Stuff. Archived from the original on 22 June 2008. Retrieved 6 May 2010.
- ^ "Grant Robertson in the Media". Archived from the original on 7 December 2008. Retrieved 22 November 2008.
- ^ "Labour Party list for 2008 election announced". Scoop. 22 November 2008. Archived from the original on 19 November 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2009.
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- ^ "Five newcomers to Labour's frontbench". Archived from the original on 25 December 2008.
- ^ "Ethical Investment (Crown Financial Institutions) Bill". New Zealand Parliament. Archived from the original on 27 May 2011. Retrieved 6 May 2010.
- ^ "Ethical investment Bill drawn from ballot". New Zealand Labour Party. 6 May 2010. Archived from the original on 21 May 2010. Retrieved 6 May 2010.
- ^ Michael Dickison (6 May 2010). "'Bah! Humbug!' – Sheppard slams ethical spending Bill". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 6 May 2010.
- ^ "Govt shoots down member's bill for ethical investment". goodreturns.co.nz. 6 August 2010. Archived from the original on 7 August 2010. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
- ^ "Ethical investment bill fails". Radio New Zealand. 5 August 2010. Retrieved 10 August 2010.
- ^ "Fresh look for Labour's shadow Cabinet". Stuff. 10 June 2010. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 15 June 2010.
- ^ "Labour Caucus – 2011". Scoop.co.nz. 3 February 2011. Archived from the original on 4 February 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2012.
- ^ "Labour Leader reveals new caucus line-up". Scoop. 3 February 2011. Archived from the original on 4 February 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2012.
- ^ "Wellington Central results, 2011". Electoral Commission. 10 December 2011. Archived from the original on 3 November 2023. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ a b Davidson, Isaac (24 November 2014). "Winners, losers in Labour reshuffle". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 25 November 2014. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
- ^ David Cunliffe (6 May 2014). "Fresh look for the incoming Government". Labour.org.nz. Archived from the original on 6 May 2014. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
- ^ Vernon Small (6 May 2014). "Hipkins drops in Labour reshuffle". Stuff.co.nz. Archived from the original on 6 May 2014. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
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- ^ "Official Count Results -- Wellington Central". Electoral Commission. 2014. Archived from the original on 25 September 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
- ^ Banas, Liz (26 September 2014). "Labour leader weighing up his future". Radio New Zealand. Wellington. Archived from the original on 28 September 2014. Retrieved 26 September 2014.
- ^ Rutherford, Hamish (26 September 2014). "Does Grant Robertson have the numbers?". Stuff. Archived from the original on 5 December 2014. Retrieved 26 September 2014.
- ^ "Labour out of options, Robertson says". Stuff. 28 September 2014. Archived from the original on 15 October 2014. Retrieved 3 October 2014.
- ^ Small, Vernon; Gulliver, Aimee (18 November 2014). "Andrew Little new Labour Party leader – by a whisker". Stuff.co.nz. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
- ^ Small, Vernon (4 November 2016). "Labour eyes future of work, and its election chances, at annual conference". Stuff. Archived from the original on 24 November 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ "Future of Work Commission". NZ Labour Party. Archived from the original on 4 December 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
- ^ Small, Vernon (4 November 2016). "Training levy, push on ICT part of Labour's future of work plan". Stuff. Archived from the original on 24 November 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ Young, Audrey (4 May 2015). "Battling Bill: Grant Robertson's big job – creating an economic policy". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 24 October 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
- ^ "Wellington Central - Official Result". Electoral Commission. 7 October 2017. Archived from the original on 25 September 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
- ^ "Who's in? Who's out?". Radio New Zealand. 20 October 2017. Archived from the original on 20 July 2018. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
- ^ "Ministerial List for Announcement (for appointment on 26 October 2017)" (PDF). Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 October 2017. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
- ^ "Winners and losers – PM reveals first substantive Cabinet reshuffle". Radio New Zealand. 27 June 2019. Archived from the original on 1 July 2019. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
- ^ Small, Zane (27 June 2019). "Jacinda Ardern's Cabinet reshuffle: Phil Twyford's Housing portfolio split into three". Newshub. Archived from the original on 29 June 2019. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
- ^ "Election 2020: Why Kelvin Davis will probably be the next deputy prime minister". Stuff. 19 October 2020. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
- ^ "Election 2020: Audrey Young – the awkward problem Labour could have over Deputy Prime Minister". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
- ^ "Wellington Central – Official Result". Electoral Commission. Archived from the original on 4 December 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
- ^ Campbell, Georgina. "Election results 2020: Candidates in Wellington's hottest race, Hutt South, front". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 31 October 2020. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
- ^ "Grant Robertson new Deputy Prime Minister as Jacinda Ardern reshapes Cabinet for new Government". Stuff. 2 November 2020. Archived from the original on 2 November 2020. Retrieved 2 November 2020.
- ^ "Ministerial List for Announcement on Monday" (PDF). Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 2 November 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 November 2020. Retrieved 4 November 2020.
- ^ Forrester, Georgia (19 February 2021). "Grant Robertson axes weekly interview on Magic Talk radio show". Stuff. Archived from the original on 19 February 2021. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
- ^ Small, Zane (19 February 2021). "The Great Reset: Grant Robertson pulls out of weekly slot on Magic Talk with Peter Williams after 'shooting down conspiracy theory'". Newshub. Archived from the original on 21 February 2021. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
- ^ Godfrery, Morgan (29 December 2022). "Top-performing minister, but you wouldn't know it". Stuff. Archived from the original on 12 December 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
- ^ Robertson, Grant (19 January 2023). "Statement From Grant Robertson". Scoop. Archived from the original on 20 January 2023. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
- ^ "Grant Robertson says he will not stand for Labour leadership". 1 News. Archived from the original on 19 January 2023. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
- ^ Whyte, Anna (21 February 2023). "PM Chris Hipkins announces ministers to lead regional cyclone recovery efforts". Stuff. Archived from the original on 24 November 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ McCulloch, Gabrielle; Whyte, Anna (10 November 2023). "Governor-General to extend caretaker government until new government formed". Stuff. Archived from the original on 24 November 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ "Grant Robertson goes list-only, will not contest Wellington Central". Radio New Zealand. 27 January 2023. Archived from the original on 24 November 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ "2023 General Election - Official Result". Electoral Commission. Archived from the original on 24 November 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ "Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins reveals new shadow Cabinet". Radio New Zealand. 30 November 2023. Archived from the original on 11 December 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
- ^ "Retention of the title "The Honourable"". New Zealand Gazette. 8 December 2023. Archived from the original on 8 December 2023. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
- ^ "University of Otago announces appointment of new Vice-Chancellor". University of Otago. 20 February 2024. Archived from the original on 20 February 2024. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
- ^ a b McConnell, Glenn; Witton, Bridie (20 February 2024). "NZ politics live: Labour MP Grant Robertson to retire from politics". Stuff. Archived from the original on 19 February 2024. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
- ^ Tomsett, Ben (1 July 2024). "Grant Robertson steps into new digs at University of Otago". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 1 July 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
- ^ McNeilly, Hamish (22 April 2024). "'Shame on you': Emails show not everyone happy with Grant Robertson's appointment to Otago Uni's top job". Stuff. Archived from the original on 22 April 2024. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
- ^ a b "Robertson, Grant: Maiden Statements – New Zealand Parliament". parliament.nz. 20 June 2023. Archived from the original on 11 May 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "No 8 and halfback tie the knot". Stuff. 31 January 2009. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
- ^ "MP stands up for bureaucrats". The Dominion Post. Stuff. 11 December 2008. Archived from the original on 14 December 2008. Retrieved 11 December 2008.
- ^ "New gay MPs debut in Parliament". gaynz.com. Archived from the original on 14 April 2009. Retrieved 25 June 2009.
External links
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Robertson's Parliament profile
- Campaign website
- Video clips of speeches given by Robertson in Parliament at inthehouse.co.nz
- Robertson's page on the New Zealand Labour website (includes media statements issued by him)
- 1971 births
- Living people
- 21st-century New Zealand politicians
- Candidates in the 2011 New Zealand general election
- Candidates in the 2014 New Zealand general election
- Candidates in the 2017 New Zealand general election
- Candidates in the 2020 New Zealand general election
- Candidates in the 2023 New Zealand general election
- Deputy prime ministers of New Zealand
- LGBT members of the Parliament of New Zealand
- Members of the Cabinet of New Zealand
- Members of the New Zealand House of Representatives
- Ministers of finance of New Zealand
- New Zealand foreign ministers
- New Zealand gay politicians
- New Zealand Labour Party MPs
- New Zealand MPs for Wellington electorates
- New Zealand list MPs
- People educated at King's High School, Dunedin
- People from Palmerston North
- University of Otago alumni