Helen Clark

Helen Clark was elected Prime Minister of New Zealand on 27 November 1999. Her rise to the top of New Zealand politics is the culmination of almost 30 years involvement with the Labour Party, and the latest chapter in a remarkable story that began in New Zealand's provincial, conservative heartland.

Helen Clark was born in Hamilton in 1950, and spent her first 12 years on the family sheep and cattle farm. She is the oldest of four girls. Helen attended Te Pahu Primary School.

After five years of secondary schooling at Auckland's Epsom Girls Grammar, where she was a boarder, she entered the University of Auckland in 1968 to study politics. Later she lectured in Political Studies at the university.

It was during her time at university that Helen Clark's active involvement in politics began, sparked by issues such as the civil war in Vietnam, apartheid in South Africa, and nuclear testing in the South Pacific.

Helen joined the Labour Party in 1971, and in 1975 stood for election as an MP in the safe National seat of Piako.

In 1981, Helen Clark was elected MP for Mt Albert. As a result she has earned the unofficial title of 'Mother of the House' - she is the longest serving female member among current MPs.

Helen Clark was elected Leader of the Labour Party in December 1993 and served as Leader of the Opposition until the general election in November 1999, when Labour was elected to government. She won a second term after the 2002 general election and a third in 2005.

Away from politics, Helen Clark is a keen opera lover and goes to concerts regularly, and she is an enthusiastic supporter of the arts in general.

By serving as Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, as well as Prime Minister, Helen Clark intends to give the arts in New Zealand a degree of prominence and support, which they have not previously enjoyed received at top political levels.


Q What was your first political involvement and what did you learn from it?
My first involvement was with causes like opposition to the war in Vietnam and apartheid while I was a student. What I learnt was that to get results you need to work within the political system with a party which shares your ideals.

Q What do you love most about politics?
The ability to make our country a better place - and the excitement and buzz that goes with my job.

Q We all learn from our mistakes - please share a key learning moment of your growth in politics?
I never dwell on mistakes - opposition parties don’t need any help!

Q What were some of the challenges you had to overcome on the journey to achieving your personal and political goals?
The challenge of going where no woman had gone before! When I became Leader of the Opposition it was not easy to get support as a prospective woman Prime Minister.

Q Who are the mentors/role models that have inspired you and what important lessons have you learnt from them?
I have been inspired by the successes of other women leaders, like President Mary Robinson and President Mary McAleese of Ireland, and Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland of Norway.

Q What got you through the ‘tough’ times?
My own belief that I could succeed, and the strong support of family and friends.

Q What do you think are some of the essential characteristics of a successful politician?
A capacity for long hours and hard work; enormous self discipline; patience; tolerance; a sense of humour; and above all having a clear vision of what you want to achieve.

Q What were some of the core values that you built your political career upon and have these values changed over time?
Fairness, equal opportunity and security in adversity. These have not changed over time.

Q What are some of the important lessons you have learnt about effective leadership?
You have to listen, but also be decisive. You have to work to take people with you. There’s no place for autocratic leadership in our country.

Q Through your career what is the most important thing you have learnt about ‘working’ partnerships?
As a leader you have delegate to colleagues and staff. It’s important to be able to trust those you work with.

Q Your workload is huge. What tips do you have for time management?
Be well organised. Schedule enough time for meals and sleep. Don’t work 24/7 - the cost to your health and relationships is too high.

Q It is claimed that gender equity is being achieved in the workplace. You have seen significant changes in the involvement and contributions women are making in politics. Will we ever achieve true equity and what, currently, still needs to change?
Yes - if workplaces are accommodating of family responsibilities, and if men are prepared to share those responsibilities. Otherwise, women’s role as primary caregivers in the family will impede them going all the way in their careers.

Q How do you maintain enthusiasm and passion for your role after such an extended length of time?
There’s always a new challenge, and I have a passion for, and long-term commitment to, what I do.

Q How do you balance running the country and having a life?
Through careful programming! My private life is simple - time with family, sleep and outdoor activities.

Q Outside winning the next election, what are some of your current goals for the country?
Making New Zealand more sustainable and moving our country towards carbon neutrality; continuing to strengthen the economy; helping every New Zealander reach their full potential through education; celebrating our unique identity and lifting New Zealand’s pride and confidence.

Q Is there a significant quote or saying by which you live your life?
Effort brings its own reward.

Q You are an avid reader, what are you reading at the moment?
All the weekly news magazines that come to my home - the New Statesman, the Guardian Weekly, Economist and more.

Q What do you say to people who think it is too late to achieve their goals and fear they have ‘missed the boat’?
Obvious, it’s never too late. When I was a university teacher one of my most talented students was a woman in her 70s. She was an inspiration.

Q Is there a dream/vision/ambition you are yet to fulfill?
Plenty! There are always new goals to set and new mountains to climb.