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{{short description|New Zealand politician}} |
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'''Gerard Anthony Brownlee''' (born [[1956]]), generally known as '''Gerry Brownlee''', is a [[New Zealand]] politician. He served as deputy leader of the [[New Zealand National Party|National Party]], the second largest party in the New Zealand Parliament, which forms the core of the opposition, until [[November 27]], [[2006]]. |
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{{Use New Zealand English|date=February 2024}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2022}} |
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{{Infobox officeholder |
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| honorific-prefix = [[The Right Honourable]] |
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| name = Gerry Brownlee |
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| honorific-suffix = {{post-nominals|country=NZL|MP|size=100%}} |
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| image = BROWNLEE, Gerry - List (cropped).png |
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| caption = Brownlee in 2023 |
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| office = 32nd [[Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives]] |
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| term_start = 5 December 2023 |
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| term_end = |
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| monarch = [[Charles III]] |
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| governor-general = [[Cindy Kiro]] |
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| primeminister = [[Christopher Luxon]] | deputy = [[Barbara Kuriger]] |
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| predecessor = [[Adrian Rurawhe]] |
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| successor = |
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| order1 = [[New Zealand National Party#Deputy leaders|Deputy Leader of the National Party]]<br/> [[Leader of the Opposition (New Zealand)|Deputy Leader of the Opposition]] |
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==Early life== |
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| term_start1 = 14 July 2020 |
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Brownlee was born in [[Christchurch, New Zealand|Christchurch]], and has lived there for his whole life. After leaving high school, he worked in his family's [[timber]] business, and received training in [[carpentry]]. Later, he qualified as a teacher, and taught woodwork and crafts at high school level. |
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| term_end1 = 10 November 2020 |
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| term_start2 = 17 November 2003 |
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| term_end2 = 27 November 2006 |
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| leader1 = [[Judith Collins]] |
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| leader2 = [[Don Brash]] |
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| predecessor1 = [[Nikki Kaye]] |
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| successor1 = [[Shane Reti]] |
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| predecessor2 = [[Nick Smith (New Zealand politician)|Nick Smith]] |
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| successor2 = [[Bill English]] |
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| primeminister1 = |
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| office3 = 27th [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (New Zealand)|Minister of Foreign Affairs]] |
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==Entry into Parliament== |
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| term_start3 = 2 May 2017 |
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{| table width="330px" border=1 cellpadding=2 cellspacing=0 align=right style="margin-left:1em" |
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| term_end3 = 26 October 2017 |
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|---------- bgcolor=#EEEEEE |
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| primeminister3 = [[Bill English]] |
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|width=15%|<font size=-2>'''Parl.'''</font> |
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| predecessor3 = [[Murray McCully]] |
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|width=40%|<font size=-2>'''Electorate'''</font> |
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| successor3 = [[Winston Peters]] |
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|width=15%|<font size=-2>'''List Pos.'''</font> |
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|width=30%|<font size=-2>'''Party'''</font> |
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|---------- bgcolor=#DDEEFF |
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|<font size=-2>[[45th New Zealand Parliament|45th]]</font> |
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|<font size=-2>Ilam</font> |
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|<font size=-2>47</font> |
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|<font size=-2>[[New Zealand National Party|National]]</font> |
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|---------- bgcolor=#DDEEFF |
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|<font size=-2>[[46th New Zealand Parliament|46th]]</font> |
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|<font size=-2>Ilam</font> |
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|<font size=-2>36</font> |
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|<font size=-2>[[New Zealand National Party|National]]</font> |
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|---------- bgcolor=#DDEEFF |
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|<font size=-2>[[47th New Zealand Parliament|47th]]</font> |
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|<font size=-2>Ilam</font> |
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|<font size=-2>9</font> |
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|<font size=-2>[[New Zealand National Party|National]]</font> |
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|---------- bgcolor=#DDEEFF |
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|<font size=-2>[[48th New Zealand Parliament|48th]]</font> |
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|<font size=-2>Ilam</font> |
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|<font size=-2> 3</font> |
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|<font size=-2>[[New Zealand National Party|National]]</font> |
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|} |
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In the [[New Zealand general election 1993|1993 elections]], Brownlee was the National Party's candidate for the Sydenham electorate, where he campaigned against [[Jim Anderton]] of the newly formed [[Alliance (New Zealand political party)|Alliance]]; he was unsuccessful. In the [[New Zealand general election 1996|1996 elections]], he contested the seat of [[Ilam (NZ electorate)|Ilam]], and won by a comfortable margin. He has remained the MP for Ilam since that point, although his majority declined, until a strong recovery in the 2005 election. |
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| order4 = [[Leader of the House (New Zealand)|Leader of the House]] |
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===Junior Whip=== |
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| term_start4 = 19 November 2008 |
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In Parliament, Brownlee has served as the National Party's Junior [[whip (politics)|Whip]] and as its spokesperson on [[superannuation]], energy, transport, local government, and the [[Accident Compensation Corporation|ACC]]. He is considered by most to be a powerful performer in Parliamentary debate and has come into the spotlight on a number of occasions, mostly as the result of his somewhat aggressive political style. In early [[2002]], a court ordered Brownlee to pay damages to a protester whom he had threatened. |
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| term_end4 = 2 May 2017 |
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| primeminister4 = [[John Key]]<br>[[Bill English]] |
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| predecessor4 = [[Michael Cullen (politician)|Michael Cullen]] |
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| successor4 = [[Simon Bridges]] |
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| order5 = Minister supporting Greater Christchurch Regeneration |
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===Controversy=== |
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| term_start5 = 7 September 2010 |
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Gerry Brownlee received criticism during the 1999 election campaign for ejecting an elderly protester from a platform containing several National Party candidates with what was considered by many, including watching media, to be excessive force. |
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| term_end5 = 2 May 2017 |
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| primeminister5 = [[John Key]]<br>[[Bill English]] |
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| predecessor5 = ''Position established'' |
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| successor5 = [[Nicky Wagner]] |
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| order6 = 38th [[Minister of Defence (New Zealand)|Minister of Defence]] |
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===Deputy leader=== |
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| term_start6 = 6 October 2014 |
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Brownlee was sometimes considered as a potential challenger to the party leadership of [[Bill English]]. Eventually, however, English was toppled by [[Don Brash]], a former governor of the [[Reserve Bank of New Zealand|Reserve Bank]] and Brownlee was seen as being high on the list of potential deputy leaders, but declined to pursue the position. The contest was eventually won by [[Nick Smith (New Zealand)|Nick Smith]]. |
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| term_end6 = 2 May 2017 |
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| primeminister6 = [[John Key]]<br>[[Bill English]] |
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| predecessor6 = [[Jonathan Coleman (politician)|Jonathan Coleman]] |
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| successor6 = [[Mark Mitchell (New Zealand politician)|Mark Mitchell]] |
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| order7 = 25th [[Ministry of Transport (New Zealand)|Minister of Transport]] |
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Shortly after being elected, however, Smith opted to take several weeks of stress leave, saying that he was exhausted from the protracted leadership disputes. When Smith returned to Parliament, Brownlee challenged him for the deputy leadership. When Smith was informed of the challenge, he resigned, and Brownlee was elected unopposed. Initially Smith alleged that Brownlee had undermined him during his period of stress leave but those allegations were later dropped in the interests of party unity. |
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| term_start7 = 12 December 2011 |
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| term_end7 = 6 October 2014 |
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| primeminister7 = [[John Key]] |
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| predecessor7 = [[Steven Joyce]] |
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| successor7 = [[Simon Bridges]] |
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| order8 = 13th [[Minister of Energy and Resources (New Zealand)|Minister of Energy and Resources]] |
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===One of the Bro's=== |
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| term_start8 = 19 November 2008 |
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Since being elected deputy leader, Brownlee has continued his confrontational and colourful style of political debate. In 2003, following the controversy surrounding the Orewa speech, he was appointed the National Party's spokesman for Maori Affairs in place of Georgina TeHeuHeu, who resigned from the spokesmanship after refusing to endorse party leader Brash's comments. His approach to this portfolio involved criticising the government's policies regarding perceived special treatment for [[Māori]], an issue at the core of National's 2005 election manifesto. |
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| term_end8 = 14 December 2011 |
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| primeminister8 = [[John Key]] |
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| predecessor8 = [[David Parker (New Zealand politician)|David Parker]] |
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| successor8 = [[Phil Heatley]] |
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| constituency_MP10 = [[New Zealand National Party|National]] [[party list]] |
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==Current responsibilities== |
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| parliament10 = New Zealand |
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After the resignation of former National Party Leader of the Opposition [[Don Brash]], there appeared to be internal party discussion over the post of deputy parliamentary party leader. [[Bill English]], [[Simon Power]] and [[Judith Collins]] were all understood to be aspirants for the position [http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3878850a6160,00.html]. |
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| term_start10 = 17 October 2020 |
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| term_end10 = |
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| constituency_MP11 = [[Ilam (New Zealand electorate)|Ilam]] |
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On [[November 26]] Brownlee announced that he was stepping aside as Deputy Leader, with Bill English set to take over. This was confirmed at a special caucus meeting the following day. On [[1 December]], he was confirmed as the third ranked MP with responsibility for Energy, SOEs, States Services and to chair the Party's Strategy Committee. |
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| parliament11 = New Zealand |
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| majority11 = |
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| predecessor11 = ''Seat Established'' |
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| successor11 = [[Sarah Pallett]] |
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| term_start11 = 12 October 1996 |
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| term_end11 = 17 October 2020 |
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| birth_name = Gerard Anthony Brownlee |
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| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1956|2|4|df=yes}} |
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| birth_place = [[Christchurch]], New Zealand |
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| death_date = |
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| death_place = |
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| nationality = New Zealand |
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| party = [[New Zealand National Party|National Party]] |
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| relations = [[Mark Brownlee]] (uncle)<br>[[Scott Brownlee]] (cousin) |
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| alma_mater = [[St Bede's College, Christchurch|St Bede's College]] |
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| committees = Privileges Committee (Deputy Chairperson) |
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| occupation = Teacher |
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}} |
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'''Gerard Anthony Brownlee''' (born 4 February 1956<ref>{{cite journal|author=Alister Taylor|title=New Zealand Who's Who Aotearoa 2001 Edition|journal=New Zealand Who's Who, Aotearoa | publisher=Alister Taylor Publishers|date=2001|issn=1172-9813|page=177}}</ref>) is a New Zealand politician and the 32nd [[speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives]]. He was first elected as a member of the [[New Zealand House of Representatives]] for [[Ilam (New Zealand electorate)|Ilam]] in 1996, representing the [[New Zealand National Party|National Party]]. He became a [[list MP]] in 2020. |
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Brownlee was a senior member of the [[Fifth National Government of New Zealand|Fifth National Government]], serving as [[Leader of the House (New Zealand)|Leader of the House]], [[Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery]] and [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (New Zealand)|Minister of Foreign Affairs]]. He was twice deputy leader of the National Party, first from November 2003 until November 2006 and again from July until November 2020. |
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As the longest continuously serving member of Parliament, Brownlee became [[Father of the House (New Zealand)|Father of the House]] in October 2022.<ref name="parliament.nz">{{cite web |title=Members of Parliament – Longest, shortest, oldest, youngest |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/mps-and-parliaments-1854-onwards/members-of-parliament-longest-shortest-oldest-youngest/ |publisher=New Zealand Parliamentary Service |access-date=25 October 2022 |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025095643/https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/mps-and-parliaments-1854-onwards/members-of-parliament-longest-shortest-oldest-youngest/|archive-date=25 October 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==Early life and family== |
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Brownlee was born in [[Christchurch]] to Leo (a sawmiller, who died in 1989) and Mary Brownlee.<ref name="man in charge">{{cite news|last1=Wright|first1=Michael|title=Gerry Brownlee, the making of the man in charge|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/77246186/Gerry-Brownlee-the-making-of-the-man-in-charge|access-date=21 September 2016|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=27 February 2016}}</ref> He is the eldest of five children.<ref name="man in charge"/> His uncle, [[Mark Brownlee]], represented New Zealand in rowing at the [[Summer Olympic Games]] in [[New Zealand at the 1964 Summer Olympics|1964]] and [[New Zealand at the 1968 Summer Olympics|1968]],<ref>{{Cite Sports-Reference |check-wikidata=no |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/br/mark-brownlee-1.html |title=Mark Brownlee |access-date=21 September 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202235021/http://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/br/mark-brownlee-1.html |archive-date=2 December 2016}}</ref> and his cousin [[Scott Brownlee]] (Mark's son), represented New Zealand in rowing at the Olympics in [[New Zealand at the 1992 Summer Olympics|1992]], [[New Zealand at the 1996 Summer Olympics|1996]], and [[New Zealand at the 2000 Summer Olympics|2000]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/br/scott-brownlee-1.html|title=Scott Brownlee Bio, Stats, and Results | Olympics at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=21 September 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202235431/http://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/br/scott-brownlee-1.html|archive-date=2 December 2016}}</ref> |
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A [[Roman Catholic]], he attended [[St Bede's College, Christchurch|St Bede's College]] where he twice failed to gain University Entrance.<ref name="upstart">{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=3535532|title=Gerry Brownlee, upstart with the big voice|first=Audrey|last=Young|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|date=21 November 2003|access-date=25 January 2016}}</ref> After leaving high school, he worked in his family's timber business and received training in [[carpentry]]. After qualifying as a builder, he retrained as a teacher and taught woodwork, technical drawing and [[Māori language|Māori]], over a period of twelve years, at [[Ellesmere College (New Zealand)|Ellesmere College]], and at his [[alma mater]], St Bede's.<ref name="upstart"/> He stood as a candidate for the [[Canterbury Regional Council]] in 1992 on the Citizens' Association ticket, but was unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite news |title=Canterbury Regional Council |newspaper=[[The Press]] |date=12 October 1992 |page=4 }}</ref> |
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==Member of Parliament== |
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{{NZ parlbox header|align=left}} |
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{{NZ parlbox|start={{NZ election link year|1996}}|end=1999|term=45th|electorate=[[Ilam (New Zealand electorate)|Ilam]]|list=47|party=New Zealand National Party}} |
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{{NZ parlbox|start={{NZ election link year|1999}}|end=2002|term=46th|electorate=Ilam|list=36|party=New Zealand National Party}} |
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{{NZ parlbox|start={{NZ election link year|2002}}|end=2005|term=47th|electorate=Ilam|list=9|party=New Zealand National Party}} |
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{{NZ parlbox|start={{NZ election link year|2005}}|end=2008|term=48th|electorate=Ilam|list=2|party=New Zealand National Party}} |
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{{NZ parlbox|start={{NZ election link year|2008}}|end=2011|term=49th|electorate=Ilam|list=3|party=New Zealand National Party}} |
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{{NZ parlbox|start={{NZ election link year|2011}}|end=2014|term=50th|electorate=Ilam|list=4|party=New Zealand National Party}} |
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{{NZ parlbox|start={{NZ election link year|2014}}|end=2017|term=51st|electorate=Ilam|list=4|party=New Zealand National Party}} |
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{{NZ parlbox|start={{NZ election link year|2017}}|end=2020|term=52nd|electorate=Ilam|list=5|party=New Zealand National Party}} |
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{{NZ parlbox|start={{NZ election link year|2020}}|end=2023|term=53rd|electorate=List|list=2|party=New Zealand National Party}} |
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{{NZ parlbox|start={{NZ election link year|2023}}|end=present|term=54th|electorate=List|list=14|party=New Zealand National Party}} |
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{{End}}Brownlee first stood for National in the [[1993 New Zealand general election|1993 election]], unsuccessfully contesting the [[Sydenham (New Zealand electorate)|Sydenham]] electorate against [[Jim Anderton]], the [[Alliance (New Zealand political party)|Alliance]] leader. In the [[1996 New Zealand general election|1996 election]] he contested the nearby seat of [[Ilam (New Zealand electorate)|Ilam]], and won by a comfortable margin. He remained the MP for Ilam since that point until losing his seat in the [[2020 New Zealand election|2020 election]]. Before that his closest brush with defeat occurred in the [[2002 New Zealand general election|2002 election]] wherein he had a majority of 3,872 votes – 11.52%.<ref>{{cite web|title=Official Count Results – Ilam|url=https://archive.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2002/electorate-19.html|publisher=Chief Electoral Office, Wellington|access-date=18 October 2020|format=PDF|date=10 August 2002|archive-date=22 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122164312/http://archive.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2002/electorate-19.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Brownlee stood as a list-only candidate in 2023, fuelling speculation he would be National's candidate for speaker should it win the election.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-24 |title=Brownlee retiring from electorate race, hints at Speaker |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/gerry-brownlee-retiring-from-ilam-race-next-election-hints-at-speaker/TTH3LXSDUDHWH73SZRLLI7P5CI/ |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=National's Brownlee won't say if he wants to be Speaker |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/08/03/nationals-brownlee-wont-say-if-he-wants-to-be-speaker/ |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=1 News |language=en}}</ref> |
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As a junior government MP from 1997 to 1999, Brownlee was a member of the education and science committee and the internal affairs and local government committee, and deputy chair of the social services committee. He chaired the Accident Insurance Bill committee in 1998. When National went into opposition in 1999, was appointed the party's new junior whip and spokesperson for [[Accident Compensation Corporation|ACC]]. From 1999 to 2001, he was on the transport and industrial relations committee; in 2001, promoted to education spokesperson, he was on the education and science committee.<ref name=":2" /> |
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Brownlee has held senior roles within the National Party since October 2001, when the new National leader [[Bill English]] appointed him shadow leader of the House, a position he continued to hold under subsequent leaders [[Don Brash]] and [[John Key]]. Brownlee was the [[Leader of the House (New Zealand)|Leader of the House]] and a senior minister in the [[Fifth National Government of New Zealand|Fifth National Government]], including [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (New Zealand)|Minister of Foreign Affairs]]. He returned to the shadow House leadership from 2018 to 2020. He was also deputy leader to Brash from 2003 to 2006 and to Judith Collins in 2020. |
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Brownlee became [[Father of the House (New Zealand)|Father of the House]] in October 2022, having the longest uninterrupted membership of the House of Representatives.<ref name="parliament.nz" /> On 24 November 2023, prime minister-designate [[Christopher Luxon]] announced that Brownlee would be nominated to be Speaker of the House. |
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== Opposition, 1999–2008 == |
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Brownlee received criticism during the [[1999 New Zealand general election|1999 election]] campaign when he ejected Neil Able, a 60-year-old [[Native Forest Action]] campaigner, from the National Party's 1999 election campaign launch. The ejection took place with what many, including watching journalists, considered excessive force. Neil Able started civil assault proceedings against Brownlee, seeking damages of $60,000. In 2002, a [[District Courts of New Zealand|District Court]] judge found in favour of Able that Brownlee had "used excessive and unnecessary force on Abel when he tried to remove him from a staircase handrail". Brownlee was ordered to pay Able $8,500 in damages.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=1191987 |title='Humbled' MP accepts ruling on assault case |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203105247/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=1191987 |archive-date=3 February 2014 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=16 March 2002 |access-date=16 April 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0203/S00109.htm|title=Gerry Brownlee MP Ordered To Pay $8500 For Assault|work=Scoop.co.nz|date=15 March 2002|first=Alastair|last=Thompson}}</ref> Brownlee later sought unsuccessfully to have $48,000 of his legal fees reimbursed by the Government.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10636760|title=We're paying for MPs' legal bills, but it's a secret|first=Claire|last=Trevett|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|date=7 April 2012|access-date=15 April 2012}}</ref> |
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Brownlee challenged the vacant deputy leadership of the National Party in 2001, but was defeated by [[Bill English]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tvnz.co.nz/content/27764/2556418/article.html|title=Bunfight for deputy Nat leader begins|date=1 February 2001|access-date=17 February 2017|publisher=TVNZ}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=171427|title=English takes National's deputy leader job|date=7 February 2001|access-date=17 February 2017|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]}}</ref> English eventually succeeded to the leadership later that year. In the English shadow cabinet, Brownlee was spokesperson for local government and energy, as well as shadow Leader of the House.<ref name=":2" /> By 2003, Brownlee was seen by [[New Zealand Labour Party|Labour Party]] MP [[Phil Goff]] and Scoop columnist Paulo Politico as a potential challenger to English's leadership.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/brownlee+u-turn+nukes+motivated+ambition|title=Brownlee u-turn on nukes motivated by ambition|publisher=Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade New Zealand Government|author=Phil Goff|date=10 January 2003|access-date=15 August 2010|archive-date=10 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110043104/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/brownlee-u-turn-nukes-motivated-ambition|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0301/S00029.htm|title=Brownlee's Uranium Breath Leadership Challenge|publisher=Scoop News|author=Paulo Politico|date=10 January 2003|access-date=15 August 2010 }}</ref> [[2003 New Zealand National Party leadership election|English was eventually replaced as National Party leader]] by former [[Reserve Bank of New Zealand|Reserve Bank]] Governor [[Don Brash]]. Brownlee was thought to be a possible deputy leader to Brash but declined to pursue the position, which went to [[Nick Smith (New Zealand politician)|Nick Smith]]. |
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Shortly after his election, however, Smith opted to take two weeks of [[Stress (medicine)|stress]] leave, saying that the protracted leadership disputes had exhausted him. When Smith returned to Parliament, Brownlee challenged him for the deputy leadership. Informed of the challenge,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tvnz.co.nz/content/236366/2591764/article.html|title=Brownlee mooted for deputy role|publisher=TVNZ|date=17 November 2003|access-date=17 February 2017}}</ref> Smith resigned, and on 17 November 2003 Brownlee won the caucus vote unopposed. Initially, Smith alleged that while he was on stress leave, "a campaign to oust me was conducted in the media while I was under the leader's instructions to make no comment."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=3534632|title=Smith resigns after losing confidence of National Party leader|author=NZPA|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|date=17 November 2003|access-date=15 August 2010}}</ref> Audrey Young wrote in the ''New Zealand Herald'' that Brownlee and [[Murray McCully]] were rumoured to have been behind the campaign to oust Smith as deputy leader.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=3534735|title=McCully at centre of Nats whisper row|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|access-date=15 August 2010|date=18 November 2003|first=Audrey|last=Young|quote=The whisper goes that Mr McCully was so appalled that new leader Don Brash backed Dr Smith for the deputy leadership over Ilam MP Gerry Brownlee that as soon as Dr Smith had been bundled out of the building Mr McCully and Mr Brownlee began a campaign to ensure that Dr Brash would never want him back.}}</ref> |
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After becoming a deputy leader, Brownlee continued his confrontational and colourful style of political debate. Following the controversy surrounding Brash's [[Orewa Speech]] of 27 January 2004, Brownlee became the National Party's spokesman for Maori Affairs in place of [[Georgina te Heuheu]], who resigned from the position after refusing to endorse Brash's comments. Brownlee's approach to this portfolio involved criticising the government's policies regarding perceived special treatment for [[Māori people|Māori]], an issue at the core of National's [[2005 New Zealand general election|2005 election]] manifesto. |
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[[2006 New Zealand National Party leadership election|When Brash resigned as National Party Leader in November 2006]], Brownlee was reported as "probably" considering a bid to remain in the deputy leadership;<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/wanganui-chronicle/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503426&objectid=10948166|title=Power puts hand up for deputy's role|work=Wanganui Chronicle|date=25 November 2006|access-date=17 February 2017}}</ref> however, he stepped aside in place to allow former leader [[Bill English]] to take the deputy leadership and was appointed the third-ranked National Party MP by new party leader [[John Key]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=28388|title=National Party list|date=8 October 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014131507/http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?ArticleID=28388|archive-date=14 October 2008}}</ref> |
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== Fifth National Government, 2008–2017 == |
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[[File:Gerry Brownlee.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Brownlee in 2009]] |
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Following the election of the [[Fifth National Government of New Zealand|Fifth National Government]] in November 2008, Brownlee was appointed a member of the [[Executive Council of New Zealand]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2008-vr8840|title=Members of Executive Council appointed|date=21 November 2008|access-date=17 February 2017|work=New Zealand Gazette}}</ref> and to [[Cabinet of New Zealand|Cabinet]] as Minister of [[Ministry of Economic Development (New Zealand)|Economic Development]], [[Minister of Energy and Resources (New Zealand)|Minister of Energy and Resources]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2008-vr8841|title=Appointment of Ministers|date=21 November 2008|access-date=17 February 2017|work=New Zealand Gazette|archive-date=17 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217223919/https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2008-vr8841|url-status=live}}</ref> and as Associate Minister for the [[2011 Rugby World Cup|Rugby World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://img.scoop.co.nz/media/pdfs/0811/2008_Ministerial_List_for_Announcement.pdf|title=Ministerial List for Announcement|publisher=Scoop.co.nz|date=17 November 2008|access-date=17 February 2017}}</ref> He also became the [[Leader of the House (New Zealand)|Leader of the House]]. When the Canterbury earthquakes struck in [[2010 Canterbury earthquake|2010]], Brownlee was appointed [[Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery]]. In the government's second term (2011–2014), Brownlee was [[Minister of Transport (New Zealand)|Minister of Transport]]. In its third term, he was [[Minister of Defence (New Zealand)|Minister of Defence]] from November 2014 until May 2017, and thereafter [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (New Zealand)|Minister of Foreign Affairs]] until October 2017. |
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In April 2013, Brownlee was represented New Zealand in London at the funeral of former British Prime Minister [[Margaret Thatcher]].<ref>{{cite news |date=12 April 2013 |title=Govt sends Brownlee to Thatcher's funeral |work=3 News NZ |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Govt-sends-Brownlee-to-Thatchers-funeral/tabid/1607/articleID/293994/Default.aspx |url-status=dead |access-date=12 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201173015/http://www.3news.co.nz/Govt-sends-Brownlee-to-Thatchers-funeral/tabid/1607/articleID/293994/Default.aspx |archive-date=1 February 2014}}</ref> |
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=== Minister of Energy and Resources === |
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In August 2009, Brownlee was criticised by [[Forest and Bird]] Spokesperson Kevin Hackwell for playing down government discussions to possibly allow more mining within conservation areas. Hackwell was reported as stating that "If the Government's to go down this line they could be buying a fight with the people of the Coromandel, with the people of New Zealand generally, who have put these areas aside and want them protected for their conservation values".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/article.aspx?id=104360&fm=newsmain,narts|title=Brownlee talks down mining plan|work=NZ City|author=NZCity|date=1 December 2009}}</ref> The New Zealand mining industry was reported as welcoming the move.<ref name="MINE">{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10612000|title=Conservation land could be mined – Govt|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|author=NZ City/Newstalk ZB|date=27 August 2009|access-date=15 September 2010}}</ref> |
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In early December 2009, Forest and Bird released a leaked document that included the proposal to remove part of the conservation status of [[Mount Aspiring National Park]] to allow mining.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10612737 |title=Leaked report recommends mining option for Mt Aspiring |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |author=NZPA |date=1 December 2009}}</ref> The result of the controversy was that the government decided not to explore considerations amongst significant debate on the issue in the House, in submissions to the Select Committees and within the [[New Zealand National Party|National Party]]'s own [[Caucus#In Commonwealth nations|parliamentary caucus]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/national-news/3490811/Cracks-appear-in-mining-plan|title=Cracks Appear in Mining Plan|work=The Manawatu Standard|author=Tracey Wakins & Vernon Small|date=23 March 2010|access-date=15 September 2010}}</ref> |
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=== Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery === |
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As the Government's most senior Christchurch-based MP, Brownlee led the Government's work in earthquake recovery after the [[2010 Canterbury earthquake|2010]], [[2011 Canterbury earthquake|2011 earthquakes]] and [[2016 Kaikōura earthquake|2016 earthquakes]]. Following National's re-election in {{NZ election link year|2011}} and {{NZ election link year|2014}}, Brownlee additionally served as Minister of Transport, Minister of Defence, and Minister of Civil Defence. When [[Bill English]] became Prime Minister, Brownlee succeeded [[Murray McCully]] as [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (New Zealand)|Minister of Foreign Affairs]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Gerry Brownlee appointed foreign affairs minister and newcomer Mark Mitchell gets big promotion|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/91855610/cabinet-reshuffle-nikki-kaye-sure-bet-for-education-but-who-will-be-foreign-affairs-minister|last=Moir|first=Jo|date=24 April 2017|website=Stuff|language=en|access-date=28 May 2020}}</ref> |
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On 14 September 2010, Brownlee introduced the [[Canterbury Earthquake Response and Recovery Act 2010]] into the house with leave to pass the legislation in one sitting. This Bill was passed by the time the House adjourned at 10.02 pm.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Debates/Progress/2/5/8/00HOOOCProgress201009141-Daily-Progress-in-the-House-for-Tuesday-14.htm|title=Daily Progress of the House for Tuesday 14 September|work=Hansard and Parliamentary journals|author=Hansard|date=14 September 2010}}</ref> |
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Brownlee had little sympathy for attempts to preserve heritage buildings, saying not long after the [[2011 Christchurch earthquake|2011 quake]]: "My absolutely strong position is that the old dungers, no matter what their connection, are going under the hammer."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gates |first1=Charlie |title=Emergency power that took over 700 Christchurch buildings is still in force |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/115031528/emergency-power-that-took-over-700-christchurch-buildings-is-still-in-force |access-date=17 November 2020 |work=Stuff |date=17 August 2019}}</ref> |
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In 2012, it was reported that the idea of using part of Christchurch's [[residential red zone]] for an international rowing regatta course known as [[East Lake (New Zealand)|East Lake]] had found the support of Brownlee as Earthquake Recovery Minister.<ref>{{cite news|title=Could a water theme revitalise the east?|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/7502424/Could-a-water-theme-revitalise-the-east|access-date=21 September 2016|work=[[The Press]]|date=18 August 2012|archive-date=22 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922110744/http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/7502424/Could-a-water-theme-revitalise-the-east|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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In September 2012, Brownlee accused residents in Christchurch's newly created TC3 zone of "carping and moaning" for comments they made in a survey conducted by the main local newspaper. The comments were about perceived inaction by the authorities, including the government. He apologised soon after.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch-earthquake-2011/7663412/Brownlee-apologises-for-moaning-comments|title=Brownlee apologises for 'moaning' comments|first=Michael|last=Wright|date=12 September 2012|via=Stuff.co.nz}}</ref> |
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On the withdrawal Brownlee stated "I suspect few New Zealanders knew the country had such considerable mineral potential before we undertook this process, and I get a sense that New Zealanders are now much more aware of that potential". He went on that it might contribute to economic growth and further stated that "New Zealanders have given the minerals sector a clear mandate to go and explore that land, and where appropriate, within the constraints of the resource consent process, utilise its mineral resources for everyone's benefit". An additional announcement from Conservation Minister [[Kate Wilkinson (politician)|Kate Wilkinson]] pronounced that future National Park land would receive protections, stating that, "This is an added layer of protection for New Zealand's most highly valued conservation land..."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10659987|title=Brownlee mining dream in tatters|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|date=20 July 2010|access-date=15 September 2010}}</ref> |
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=== Minister of Transport === |
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In March 2012, Brownlee made controversial comments about [[Finland]] in a parliamentary session. Rejecting a [[New Zealand Labour Party]] plan to model the economy on Finland, he said Finland: "has worse unemployment than us, has less growth than us, can hardly feed the people who live there, has a terrible homicide rate, hardly educates its people, and has no respect for women." Finnish Foreign Minister [[Erkki Tuomioja]], said that Finland would not take any action as the comments were clearly a device for internal politics rather than an attack on Finland. He continued to say: "I doubt he even knows where Finland is."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iltalehti.fi/uutiset/a/2012032615372035 |title=Kohuministerin Suomihaukut |publisher=Iltalehti | language=fi | access-date=27 March 2012}}</ref> |
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In November 2014 Brownlee was fined $2000 by New Zealand's [[Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand|Civil Aviation Authority]] for a breach of [[airport security]] that occurred at [[Christchurch International Airport|Christchurch Airport]] on 24 July 2014. An official inquiry found that Brownlee and two of his aides had evaded airport security screening by entering a departure lounge through an exit door while in a rush to board a domestic flight.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rutherford |first1=Hamish |title=Gerry Brownlee fined for airport security breach |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/63297518/Gerry-Brownlee-fined-for-airport-security-breach |access-date=18 November 2014 |work=Stuff.co.nz |date=18 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129023115/http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/63297518/Gerry-Brownlee-fined-for-airport-security-breach |archive-date=29 November 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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=== Minister of Foreign Affairs === |
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[[File:Secretary of State John Kerry visit to New Zealand, November 9 - 13, 2016 (30946831265).jpg|thumb|upright|Brownlee, as Minister of Foreign Affairs, meets [[US Secretary of State]] [[John Kerry]], 13 November 2016]] |
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[[File:Secretary Tillerson Meets With New Zealander Foreign Minister Brownlee in Wellington (35128630265).jpg|thumb|upright|Brownlee meets US Secretary of State [[Rex Tillerson]], 6 June 2017]] |
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In May 2017, less than a week after being appointed as Foreign Minister, Brownlee was publicly corrected by Prime Minister Bill English, after claiming that a New Zealand-sponsored United Nations Security Council Resolution on Israel (about settlements in occupied territories) was "premature".<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Gerry Brownlee 'premature' in making Israel comments: Prime Minister Bill English|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/92352570/gerry-brownlee-premature-in-making-israel-comments-prime-minister-bill-english|last=Kirk|first=Stacey|date=8 May 2017|website=Stuff|language=en|access-date=28 May 2020}}</ref> The Prime Minister said Brownlee was "still getting familiar" with the language used by his predecessor, Murray McCully, who had authorised the sponsorship of the resolution.<ref name=":0" /> Responding to questions in Parliament on Brownlee's behalf, Deputy Prime Minister [[Paula Bennett]] commented that Brownlee's use of the word "premature" was because the Government "would have liked to give Israel notice of the resolution, and our part in that, but did not."<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=3. Foreign Affairs, Minister—United Nations Security Council Resolution Condemning Israeli Settlements in Palestinian Territory – New Zealand Parliament|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/HansS_20170504_051450000/3-foreign-affairs-minister-united-nations-security-council|date=4 May 2017|website=www.parliament.nz|language=en|access-date=28 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Young|first=Audrey|date=4 May 2017|title=Brownlee statements about UN's Israel resolution at odds with Prime Minister's|language=en-NZ|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11850069|access-date=28 May 2020|issn=1170-0777}}</ref> |
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English said he had confidence that Brownlee was clear on New Zealand's position now, a position that had not changed since the Government had chosen to push through the resolution.<ref name=":0" /> Brownlee had been a Cabinet minister at the time; however, the decision to co-sponsor the resolution (described by McCully and Bennett as being in line with New Zealand's "long-standing position") had not gone to Cabinet.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=NZ-Israel ties restored, PM unmoved on resolution|url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2017/06/15/34050?slug=nz-israel-ties-restored-but-english-unmoved-on-un-resolution|last=Sachdeva|first=Sam|date=15 June 2017|website=Newsroom|language=en-AU|url-status=live|access-date=28 May 2020|archive-date=10 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110043036/https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2017/06/15/34050?slug=nz-israel-ties-restored-but-english-unmoved-on-un-resolution}}</ref> |
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== Opposition, 2017–2023 == |
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From 2018 to 2020, Brownlee served in Opposition as Shadow Leader of the House, and was the National Party Spokesperson for Disarmament, NZSIS, and GCSB. He was the deputy chairperson on the Privileges, Standing Orders, and Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committees, as well as a member of the Business Committee and the Parliamentary Service Commission.<ref name=":2">{{cite web |date=2 July 2020 |title=Hon Gerry Brownlee |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/members-of-parliament/brownlee-gerry/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714101837/https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/members-of-parliament/brownlee-gerry/ |archive-date=14 July 2020 |access-date=23 November 2023 |publisher=[[New Zealand Parliament]]}}</ref> |
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On 14 July 2020, Brownlee was elected by the National Party parliamentary caucus as the Deputy Leader of the National Party following a [[July 2020 New Zealand National Party leadership election|leadership election]] held after the resignation of Party Leader [[Todd Muller]] that same day. [[Judith Collins]] was elected as the leader of the National Party.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Whyte |first1=Anna |title=Judith Collins new National Party leader, Gerry Brownlee deputy |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/judith-collins-new-national-party-leader-1-news-understands |access-date=14 July 2020 |work=[[1 News]] |date=14 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714100623/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/judith-collins-new-national-party-leader-1-news-understands |archive-date=14 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Walls |first1=Jason |title=Judith Collins is new National Party leader, Gerry Brownlee her deputy |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12348051 |access-date=14 July 2020 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|date=14 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714101059/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12348051 |archive-date=14 July 2020}}</ref> |
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In August 2020, Brownlee was widely criticised during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] for comments he made that were widely interpreted to be promoting misinformation and conspiracy theories regarding the [[New Zealand government response to the COVID-19 pandemic|NZ Government response to the pandemic]]. In particular, his comments were considered to imply that the Government was withholding information about confirmed cases, without providing any evidence that this was the case.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/it-doesnt-add-up-gerry-brownlee-says-government-warning-of-second-wave-very-puzzling/IAOAZSW5BNROO3C6Y4NDCZW6GQ/|title='It doesn't add up': Gerry Brownlee says Government warning of a second wave 'very puzzling'|first=Kim|last=Moodie|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|date=9 August 2020}}</ref> Brownlee was also accused of attacking the integrity of independent public servants and promoting the propagation of misinformation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/08/coronavirus-gerry-brownlee-denies-covid-19-questions-make-him-a-conspiracy-theorist.html|title=Coronavirus: Gerry Brownlee denies COVID-19 questions make him a conspiracy theorist|first=Dan|last=Satherley|work=[[Newshub]]|date=13 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/423419/judith-collins-hits-back-at-grant-robertson-after-he-called-national-s-claims-nonsense|title=Judith Collins hits back at Grant Robertson after he called National's claims 'nonsense'|work=[[Radio New Zealand]]|date=13 August 2020}}</ref> |
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During the [[2020 New Zealand general election]], Brownlee lost his seat of Ilam to Labour candidate [[Sarah Pallett]] by a final margin of 3,463 votes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ilam – Official Result |url=https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2020/electorate-details-15.html |publisher=[[Electoral Commission (New Zealand)|Electoral Commission]] |access-date=9 November 2020 }}</ref> Dominic Harris of news website ''[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]'' described it "perhaps the most unlikely of election night coups".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harris |first1=Dominic |title=Election 2020: Sarah Pallett promises 'more inclusive' style after defeating Gerry Brownlee in Ilam |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/123128975/election-2020-sarah-pallett-promises-more-inclusive-style-after-defeating-gerry-brownlee-in-ilam |access-date=19 October 2020 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=18 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023110451/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/123128975/election-2020-sarah-pallett-promises-more-inclusive-style-after-defeating-gerry-brownlee-in-ilam|archive-date=23 October 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite this defeat, Brownlee returned to Parliament due to his high ranking on the [[Party lists in the 2020 New Zealand general election|National Party list]].<ref>{{cite web |title=2020 General Election and Referendums – Official Result Successful Candidates |url=https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2020/successful-candidates.htmll |publisher=[[Electoral Commission (New Zealand)|Electoral Commission]] |access-date=9 November 2020 }}</ref> |
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On 6 November 2020, Brownlee announced his resignation as deputy leader of National.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2020/11/06/gerry-brownlee-steps-down-as-nationals-deputy-leader/|title=Gerry Brownlee steps down as National's deputy leader|work=1 News|publisher=TVNZ|date=6 November 2020|access-date=6 November 2020|archive-date=10 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110043036/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/content/tvnz/onenews/story/2020/11/06/gerry-brownlee-steps-down-as-nationals-deputy-leader.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He was succeeded by [[Shane Reti]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 November 2020|title=Live: National MPs talk to media after Shane Reti elected new deputy leader|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/123350020/live-national-mps-talk-to-media-after-shane-reti-elected-new-deputy-leader|access-date=10 November 2020|website=Stuff|language=en}}</ref> |
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Brownlee announced on 2 August 2022 that he would seek re-election at the [[2023 New Zealand general election]], although would not attempt to win back Ilam, instead opting to contest as a list only candidate, indicating he may become [[Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives|Speaker of the House]] should National form a Government following the election.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/gerry-brownlee-retiring-from-ilam-race-next-election-hints-at-speaker/TTH3LXSDUDHWH73SZRLLI7P5CI/ | title=Brownlee retiring from electorate race, hints at Speaker | date=14 March 2024 }}</ref> |
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In September 2022, Brownlee was criticised by Rodney Jones and Jason Young for his response to the [[United Nations Xinjiang Report]] in saying that China is "dealing with a terrorist problem" and that China’s anti-terrorism laws were comparable to New Zealand’s and those of other countries.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 September 2022 |title=New Zealand's shadow foreign affairs spokesperson faces criticism for response to UN report on Uyghurs |url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/03/new-zealands-shadow-foreign-affairs-spokesperson-faces-criticism-for-response-to-un-report-on-uyghurs |access-date=2 September 2022 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en}}</ref> |
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During the [[2023 New Zealand general election]], Brownlee was re-elected to Parliament as a list MP.<ref>{{cite web |title=2023 General Election - Official Result |url=https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/successful-candidates.html |publisher=[[Electoral Commission (New Zealand)|Electoral Commission]] |access-date=9 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108030919/https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/successful-candidates.html |archive-date=8 November 2023 |date=3 November 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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In early November 2023, Brownlee accompanied the caretaker Deputy Prime Minister, [[Carmel Sepuloni]], to the 2023 [[Pacific Islands Forum]] in his capacity as National’s foreign affairs spokesperson.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Terite |first1=William |title=Pacific Islands Forum: Carmel Sepuloni, Gerry Brownlee arrive in Rarotonga |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/11/pacific-islands-forum-carmel-sepuloni-gerry-brownlee-arrive-in-rarotonga.html |access-date=10 November 2023 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=8 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109180851/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/11/pacific-islands-forum-carmel-sepuloni-gerry-brownlee-arrive-in-rarotonga.html |archive-date=9 November 2023}}</ref> There, he met with several non-Pacific representatives from Cuba, Portugal, France and South Korea in [[Rarotonga]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ryan |first1=Aaron |last2=Potaka-Dewes |first2=Atutahi |title=LIVE from the Pacific Forum: All but one aboard |url=https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2023/11/08/old-governmentnew-government-represented-at-pacific-forum/ |access-date=10 November 2023 |work=Te Ao Māori News |publisher=[[Māori Television]] |date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109054746/https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2023/11/08/old-governmentnew-government-represented-at-pacific-forum/ |archive-date=9 November 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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== Sixth National Government, 2023–present == |
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[[File:Gerry Brownlee and Cindy Kiro hongi.jpg|thumb|Brownlee performs a [[hongi]] with Governor-General [[Cindy Kiro|Dame Cindy Kiro]], after appointment as speaker, 5 December 2023]] |
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Brownlee was nominated as [[Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives|Speaker of the House of Representatives]] for the [[54th New Zealand Parliament]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who gets what? List of New Zealand's new ministers |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/24/who-gets-what-list-of-new-zealands-new-ministers/ |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=1 News |language=en}}</ref> He was elected unopposed, after [[Debbie Ngarewa-Packer]] nominated his predecessor [[Adrian Rurawhe]], who declined the nomination.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Māori Party swear allegiance to Te Tiriti; Brownlee named as Speaker |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/m%C4%81ori-party-swear-allegiance-te-tiriti-brownlee-named-speaker |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=Otago Daily Times |language=en}}</ref> |
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== Political views == |
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Brownlee has generally voted conservatively on conscience issues. In April 2013, Brownlee voted against the [[Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act 2013|Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill]], a bill allowing same-sex couples to marry in New Zealand.<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 April 2013 |title=Gay marriage: How MPs voted |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10878241 |url-status=live |access-date=3 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419115735/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10878241 |archive-date=19 April 2016}}</ref> He voted against the [[Abortion Legislation Act 2020|Abortion Legislation Bill]] in 2019 and 2020 and against the [[End of Life Choice Act 2019|End of Life Choice Bill]] in 2017 and 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-24 |title=MPs open up, fight back tears during abortion debate |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/mps-open-up-fight-back-tears-during-abortion-legislation-bill-in-parliament/A2GKJEBNJANE5JJ7FGIKLOJJLE/ |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-24 |title=Euthanasia bill final reading: How your MP voted |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/end-of-life-choice-bill-final-reading-how-your-mp-voted/BRZGNO7UQTLYWRI3F2DMY4LQ5Y/ |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
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*[[List of foreign ministers in 2017]] |
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==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
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==External links== |
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{{commons category}} |
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*[https://web.archive.org/web/20140728031556/https://www.national.org.nz/team/mps/detail/gerry.brownlee Profile] at National party |
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*{{MPLinksNZ | parliament = MPs/a/3/6/50MP12301-Brownlee-Gerry.htm | beehive = gerry-brownlee | theywork = gerry_brownlee }} |
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*{{cite news |last=Anderson|first=Vicki |title=Gerry Brownlee's talent quest past (1980) |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/8341921/When-talent-quest-found-Brownlee |access-date=24 February 2012 |work=Stuff/Fairfax |date=19 February 2012 }} |
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Gerry Brownlee
| |
---|---|
32nd Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives | |
Assumed office 5 December 2023 | |
Monarch | Charles III |
Governor‑General | Cindy Kiro |
Prime Minister | Christopher Luxon |
Deputy | Barbara Kuriger |
Preceded by | Adrian Rurawhe |
Deputy Leader of the National Party Deputy Leader of the Opposition | |
In office 14 July 2020 – 10 November 2020 | |
Leader | Judith Collins |
Preceded by | Nikki Kaye |
Succeeded by | Shane Reti |
In office 17 November 2003 – 27 November 2006 | |
Leader | Don Brash |
Preceded by | Nick Smith |
Succeeded by | Bill English |
27th Minister of Foreign Affairs | |
In office 2 May 2017 – 26 October 2017 | |
Prime Minister | Bill English |
Preceded by | Murray McCully |
Succeeded by | Winston Peters |
Leader of the House | |
In office 19 November 2008 – 2 May 2017 | |
Prime Minister | John Key Bill English |
Preceded by | Michael Cullen |
Succeeded by | Simon Bridges |
Minister supporting Greater Christchurch Regeneration | |
In office 7 September 2010 – 2 May 2017 | |
Prime Minister | John Key Bill English |
Preceded by | Position established |
Succeeded by | Nicky Wagner |
38th Minister of Defence | |
In office 6 October 2014 – 2 May 2017 | |
Prime Minister | John Key Bill English |
Preceded by | Jonathan Coleman |
Succeeded by | Mark Mitchell |
25th Minister of Transport | |
In office 12 December 2011 – 6 October 2014 | |
Prime Minister | John Key |
Preceded by | Steven Joyce |
Succeeded by | Simon Bridges |
13th Minister of Energy and Resources | |
In office 19 November 2008 – 14 December 2011 | |
Prime Minister | John Key |
Preceded by | David Parker |
Succeeded by | Phil Heatley |
Member of the New Zealand Parliament for National party list | |
Assumed office 17 October 2020 | |
Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Ilam | |
In office 12 October 1996 – 17 October 2020 | |
Preceded by | Seat Established |
Succeeded by | Sarah Pallett |
Personal details | |
Born | Gerard Anthony Brownlee (1956-02-04) 4 February 1956 (age 68) Christchurch, New Zealand |
Political party | National Party |
Relations | Mark Brownlee (uncle) Scott Brownlee (cousin) |
Alma mater | St Bede's College |
Occupation | Teacher |
Committees | Privileges Committee (Deputy Chairperson) |
|
Gerard Anthony Brownlee (born 4 February 1956[1]) is a New Zealand politician and the 32nd speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives. He was first elected as a member of the New Zealand House of Representatives for Ilam in 1996, representing the National Party. He became a list MP in 2020.
Brownlee was a senior member of the Fifth National Government, serving as Leader of the House, Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He was twice deputy leader of the National Party, first from November 2003 until November 2006 and again from July until November 2020.
As the longest continuously serving member of Parliament, Brownlee became Father of the House in October 2022.[2]
Brownlee was born in Christchurch to Leo (a sawmiller, who died in 1989) and Mary Brownlee.[3] He is the eldest of five children.[3] His uncle, Mark Brownlee, represented New Zealand in rowing at the Summer Olympic Gamesin1964 and 1968,[4] and his cousin Scott Brownlee (Mark's son), represented New Zealand in rowing at the Olympics in 1992, 1996, and 2000.[5]
ARoman Catholic, he attended St Bede's College where he twice failed to gain University Entrance.[6] After leaving high school, he worked in his family's timber business and received training in carpentry. After qualifying as a builder, he retrained as a teacher and taught woodwork, technical drawing and Māori, over a period of twelve years, at Ellesmere College, and at his alma mater, St Bede's.[6] He stood as a candidate for the Canterbury Regional Council in 1992 on the Citizens' Association ticket, but was unsuccessful.[7]
Years | Term | Electorate | List | Party | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1996–1999 | 45th | Ilam | 47 | National | |
1999–2002 | 46th | Ilam | 36 | National | |
2002–2005 | 47th | Ilam | 9 | National | |
2005–2008 | 48th | Ilam | 2 | National | |
2008–2011 | 49th | Ilam | 3 | National | |
2011–2014 | 50th | Ilam | 4 | National | |
2014–2017 | 51st | Ilam | 4 | National | |
2017–2020 | 52nd | Ilam | 5 | National | |
2020–2023 | 53rd | List | 2 | National | |
2023–present | 54th | List | 14 | National |
Brownlee first stood for National in the 1993 election, unsuccessfully contesting the Sydenham electorate against Jim Anderton, the Alliance leader. In the 1996 election he contested the nearby seat of Ilam, and won by a comfortable margin. He remained the MP for Ilam since that point until losing his seat in the 2020 election. Before that his closest brush with defeat occurred in the 2002 election wherein he had a majority of 3,872 votes – 11.52%.[8] Brownlee stood as a list-only candidate in 2023, fuelling speculation he would be National's candidate for speaker should it win the election.[9][10]
As a junior government MP from 1997 to 1999, Brownlee was a member of the education and science committee and the internal affairs and local government committee, and deputy chair of the social services committee. He chaired the Accident Insurance Bill committee in 1998. When National went into opposition in 1999, was appointed the party's new junior whip and spokesperson for ACC. From 1999 to 2001, he was on the transport and industrial relations committee; in 2001, promoted to education spokesperson, he was on the education and science committee.[11]
Brownlee has held senior roles within the National Party since October 2001, when the new National leader Bill English appointed him shadow leader of the House, a position he continued to hold under subsequent leaders Don Brash and John Key. Brownlee was the Leader of the House and a senior minister in the Fifth National Government, including Minister of Foreign Affairs. He returned to the shadow House leadership from 2018 to 2020. He was also deputy leader to Brash from 2003 to 2006 and to Judith Collins in 2020.
Brownlee became Father of the House in October 2022, having the longest uninterrupted membership of the House of Representatives.[2] On 24 November 2023, prime minister-designate Christopher Luxon announced that Brownlee would be nominated to be Speaker of the House.
Brownlee received criticism during the 1999 election campaign when he ejected Neil Able, a 60-year-old Native Forest Action campaigner, from the National Party's 1999 election campaign launch. The ejection took place with what many, including watching journalists, considered excessive force. Neil Able started civil assault proceedings against Brownlee, seeking damages of $60,000. In 2002, a District Court judge found in favour of Able that Brownlee had "used excessive and unnecessary force on Abel when he tried to remove him from a staircase handrail". Brownlee was ordered to pay Able $8,500 in damages.[12][13] Brownlee later sought unsuccessfully to have $48,000 of his legal fees reimbursed by the Government.[14]
Brownlee challenged the vacant deputy leadership of the National Party in 2001, but was defeated by Bill English.[15][16] English eventually succeeded to the leadership later that year. In the English shadow cabinet, Brownlee was spokesperson for local government and energy, as well as shadow Leader of the House.[11] By 2003, Brownlee was seen by Labour PartyMPPhil Goff and Scoop columnist Paulo Politico as a potential challenger to English's leadership.[17][18] English was eventually replaced as National Party leader by former Reserve Bank Governor Don Brash. Brownlee was thought to be a possible deputy leader to Brash but declined to pursue the position, which went to Nick Smith.
Shortly after his election, however, Smith opted to take two weeks of stress leave, saying that the protracted leadership disputes had exhausted him. When Smith returned to Parliament, Brownlee challenged him for the deputy leadership. Informed of the challenge,[19] Smith resigned, and on 17 November 2003 Brownlee won the caucus vote unopposed. Initially, Smith alleged that while he was on stress leave, "a campaign to oust me was conducted in the media while I was under the leader's instructions to make no comment."[20] Audrey Young wrote in the New Zealand Herald that Brownlee and Murray McCully were rumoured to have been behind the campaign to oust Smith as deputy leader.[21]
After becoming a deputy leader, Brownlee continued his confrontational and colourful style of political debate. Following the controversy surrounding Brash's Orewa Speech of 27 January 2004, Brownlee became the National Party's spokesman for Maori Affairs in place of Georgina te Heuheu, who resigned from the position after refusing to endorse Brash's comments. Brownlee's approach to this portfolio involved criticising the government's policies regarding perceived special treatment for Māori, an issue at the core of National's 2005 election manifesto.
When Brash resigned as National Party Leader in November 2006, Brownlee was reported as "probably" considering a bid to remain in the deputy leadership;[22] however, he stepped aside in place to allow former leader Bill English to take the deputy leadership and was appointed the third-ranked National Party MP by new party leader John Key.[23]
Following the election of the Fifth National Government in November 2008, Brownlee was appointed a member of the Executive Council of New Zealand[24] and to Cabinet as Minister of Economic Development, Minister of Energy and Resources[25] and as Associate Minister for the Rugby World Cup.[26] He also became the Leader of the House. When the Canterbury earthquakes struck in 2010, Brownlee was appointed Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery. In the government's second term (2011–2014), Brownlee was Minister of Transport. In its third term, he was Minister of Defence from November 2014 until May 2017, and thereafter Minister of Foreign Affairs until October 2017.
In April 2013, Brownlee was represented New Zealand in London at the funeral of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.[27]
In August 2009, Brownlee was criticised by Forest and Bird Spokesperson Kevin Hackwell for playing down government discussions to possibly allow more mining within conservation areas. Hackwell was reported as stating that "If the Government's to go down this line they could be buying a fight with the people of the Coromandel, with the people of New Zealand generally, who have put these areas aside and want them protected for their conservation values".[28] The New Zealand mining industry was reported as welcoming the move.[29]
In early December 2009, Forest and Bird released a leaked document that included the proposal to remove part of the conservation status of Mount Aspiring National Park to allow mining.[30] The result of the controversy was that the government decided not to explore considerations amongst significant debate on the issue in the House, in submissions to the Select Committees and within the National Party's own parliamentary caucus.[31]
As the Government's most senior Christchurch-based MP, Brownlee led the Government's work in earthquake recovery after the 2010, 2011 earthquakes and 2016 earthquakes. Following National's re-election in 2011 and 2014, Brownlee additionally served as Minister of Transport, Minister of Defence, and Minister of Civil Defence. When Bill English became Prime Minister, Brownlee succeeded Murray McCullyasMinister of Foreign Affairs.[32]
On 14 September 2010, Brownlee introduced the Canterbury Earthquake Response and Recovery Act 2010 into the house with leave to pass the legislation in one sitting. This Bill was passed by the time the House adjourned at 10.02 pm.[33]
Brownlee had little sympathy for attempts to preserve heritage buildings, saying not long after the 2011 quake: "My absolutely strong position is that the old dungers, no matter what their connection, are going under the hammer."[34]
In 2012, it was reported that the idea of using part of Christchurch's residential red zone for an international rowing regatta course known as East Lake had found the support of Brownlee as Earthquake Recovery Minister.[35]
In September 2012, Brownlee accused residents in Christchurch's newly created TC3 zone of "carping and moaning" for comments they made in a survey conducted by the main local newspaper. The comments were about perceived inaction by the authorities, including the government. He apologised soon after.[36]
On the withdrawal Brownlee stated "I suspect few New Zealanders knew the country had such considerable mineral potential before we undertook this process, and I get a sense that New Zealanders are now much more aware of that potential". He went on that it might contribute to economic growth and further stated that "New Zealanders have given the minerals sector a clear mandate to go and explore that land, and where appropriate, within the constraints of the resource consent process, utilise its mineral resources for everyone's benefit". An additional announcement from Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson pronounced that future National Park land would receive protections, stating that, "This is an added layer of protection for New Zealand's most highly valued conservation land..."[37]
In March 2012, Brownlee made controversial comments about Finland in a parliamentary session. Rejecting a New Zealand Labour Party plan to model the economy on Finland, he said Finland: "has worse unemployment than us, has less growth than us, can hardly feed the people who live there, has a terrible homicide rate, hardly educates its people, and has no respect for women." Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja, said that Finland would not take any action as the comments were clearly a device for internal politics rather than an attack on Finland. He continued to say: "I doubt he even knows where Finland is."[38]
In November 2014 Brownlee was fined $2000 by New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority for a breach of airport security that occurred at Christchurch Airport on 24 July 2014. An official inquiry found that Brownlee and two of his aides had evaded airport security screening by entering a departure lounge through an exit door while in a rush to board a domestic flight.[39]
In May 2017, less than a week after being appointed as Foreign Minister, Brownlee was publicly corrected by Prime Minister Bill English, after claiming that a New Zealand-sponsored United Nations Security Council Resolution on Israel (about settlements in occupied territories) was "premature".[40] The Prime Minister said Brownlee was "still getting familiar" with the language used by his predecessor, Murray McCully, who had authorised the sponsorship of the resolution.[40] Responding to questions in Parliament on Brownlee's behalf, Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett commented that Brownlee's use of the word "premature" was because the Government "would have liked to give Israel notice of the resolution, and our part in that, but did not."[41][42]
English said he had confidence that Brownlee was clear on New Zealand's position now, a position that had not changed since the Government had chosen to push through the resolution.[40] Brownlee had been a Cabinet minister at the time; however, the decision to co-sponsor the resolution (described by McCully and Bennett as being in line with New Zealand's "long-standing position") had not gone to Cabinet.[41][43]
From 2018 to 2020, Brownlee served in Opposition as Shadow Leader of the House, and was the National Party Spokesperson for Disarmament, NZSIS, and GCSB. He was the deputy chairperson on the Privileges, Standing Orders, and Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committees, as well as a member of the Business Committee and the Parliamentary Service Commission.[11]
On 14 July 2020, Brownlee was elected by the National Party parliamentary caucus as the Deputy Leader of the National Party following a leadership election held after the resignation of Party Leader Todd Muller that same day. Judith Collins was elected as the leader of the National Party.[44][45]
In August 2020, Brownlee was widely criticised during the COVID-19 pandemic for comments he made that were widely interpreted to be promoting misinformation and conspiracy theories regarding the NZ Government response to the pandemic. In particular, his comments were considered to imply that the Government was withholding information about confirmed cases, without providing any evidence that this was the case.[46] Brownlee was also accused of attacking the integrity of independent public servants and promoting the propagation of misinformation.[47][48]
During the 2020 New Zealand general election, Brownlee lost his seat of Ilam to Labour candidate Sarah Pallett by a final margin of 3,463 votes.[49] Dominic Harris of news website Stuff described it "perhaps the most unlikely of election night coups".[50] Despite this defeat, Brownlee returned to Parliament due to his high ranking on the National Party list.[51]
On 6 November 2020, Brownlee announced his resignation as deputy leader of National.[52] He was succeeded by Shane Reti.[53]
Brownlee announced on 2 August 2022 that he would seek re-election at the 2023 New Zealand general election, although would not attempt to win back Ilam, instead opting to contest as a list only candidate, indicating he may become Speaker of the House should National form a Government following the election.[54]
In September 2022, Brownlee was criticised by Rodney Jones and Jason Young for his response to the United Nations Xinjiang Report in saying that China is "dealing with a terrorist problem" and that China’s anti-terrorism laws were comparable to New Zealand’s and those of other countries.[55]
During the 2023 New Zealand general election, Brownlee was re-elected to Parliament as a list MP.[56]
In early November 2023, Brownlee accompanied the caretaker Deputy Prime Minister, Carmel Sepuloni, to the 2023 Pacific Islands Forum in his capacity as National’s foreign affairs spokesperson.[57] There, he met with several non-Pacific representatives from Cuba, Portugal, France and South Korea in Rarotonga.[58]
Brownlee was nominated as Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 54th New Zealand Parliament.[59] He was elected unopposed, after Debbie Ngarewa-Packer nominated his predecessor Adrian Rurawhe, who declined the nomination.[60]
Brownlee has generally voted conservatively on conscience issues. In April 2013, Brownlee voted against the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill, a bill allowing same-sex couples to marry in New Zealand.[61] He voted against the Abortion Legislation Bill in 2019 and 2020 and against the End of Life Choice Bill in 2017 and 2019.[62][63]
The whisper goes that Mr McCully was so appalled that new leader Don Brash backed Dr Smith for the deputy leadership over Ilam MP Gerry Brownlee that as soon as Dr Smith had been bundled out of the building Mr McCully and Mr Brownlee began a campaign to ensure that Dr Brash would never want him back.
New Zealand Parliament | ||
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New constituency | Member of Parliament for Ilam 1996–2020 |
Succeeded by |
Preceded by | Speaker of the House of Representatives 2023–present |
Incumbent |
Party political offices | ||
Preceded by | Deputy Leader of the National Party 2003–2006 2020 |
Succeeded by |
Preceded by | Succeeded by | |
Political offices | ||
Preceded by | Minister for Economic Development 2008–2011 |
Succeeded by |
Preceded by | Minister of Energy and Resources 2008–2011 |
Succeeded by |
Preceded by | Minister of Transport 2011–2014 |
Succeeded by |
Preceded by | Leader of the House 2008–2017 | |
Preceded by | Minister of Foreign Affairs 2017 |
Succeeded by |
New title | Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery 2010–2016 |
Post abolished |
Minister for EQC 2011–2017 |
Succeeded by | |
Preceded by | Minister of Civil Defence 2016 |
Succeeded by |
Deputy Leader of the Opposition 2020 |
Succeeded by | |
Honorary titles | ||
Preceded by | Father of the House 2022–present |
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