Current parliamentary roles

• Chairperson, Government Administration Committee
• Spokesperson, Conservation
• Spokesperson, Land Information
• Spokesperson, Senior Citizens
• Spokesperson, Disability Issues

Former parliamentary roles

• Minister for Disability Issues 10 December 1999-31 October 2000
• Associate Minister for Accident Insurance 10 December 1999-31 October 2000
• Associate Minister of Health 10 December 1999-31 October 2000
• Associate Minister of Social Services and Employment 10 December 1999-31 October 2000
• Member, Commerce Committee 22 December 1999-18 June 2002
• Associate Minister for Accident Insurance 5 June 2001-15 August 2002
• Associate Minister of Social Services and Employment 5 June 2001-15 August 2002
• Associate Minister of Health 5 June 2001-21 December 2004
• Minister for Disability Issues 5 June 2001-19 November 2008
• Minister of Women's Affairs 15 August 2002-19 October 2005
• Minister for ACC 15 August 2002-5 November 2007
• Associate Minister for Social Development (CYF) 15 August 2002-4 November 2004
• Minister for Senior Citizens 28 January 2003-19 November 2008
• Associate Minister of Labour 26 February 2004-19 October 2005
• Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment (CYF) 19 October 2005-5 November 2007
• Minister of Labour 19 October 2005-5 November 2007
• Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector 5 November 2007-19 November 2008
• Minister for Social Development and Employment 5 November 2007-19 November 2008
• Spokesperson, Health 20 November 2008-3 February 2011
• Deputy-Chairperson, Health Committee 10 December 2008-9 February 2011
• Spokesperson, Immigration 3 February 2011-19 December 2011
• Spokesperson, State Services 3 February 2011-19 December 2011
• Member, Local Government and Environment Committee 9 February 2011-20 October 2011
• Spokesperson, Internal Affairs 19 December 2011-25 February 2013

Personal details

Born 11 August 1957, Lower Hutt, married with two adult step children and five grandchildren.

Career

• Advisor to the Minister of Employment 1986-1986
• Former Advisor, Wellington Regional Employment and ACCESS Council
• Former Employment and Training Consultant

Community activities

Involved in women's organisations, peace movement and environmental groups since early 1970s

Party activities

• Member, Labour Party
• Campaign organiser for Kerry Burke 1981-1981
• Campaign organiser for Kerry Burke 1984-1984
• Womens Representative, NZ Council 1984-1984
• Campaign worker for Fran Wilde on Homosexual Law Reform Bill 1985-1985
• Executive Member, Labour Party 1986-1986
• Senior Vice President, Labour Party 1987-1987
• Campaign organiser for Fran Wilde 1987-1987
• President, Labour Party 1988-1993

Leisure activities

Gardening, swimming, kayaking, reading, music