Chris Hipkins

Christopher John "Chris" Hipkins (born 5 September 1978) is a member of the New Zealand House of Representatives. He is the Labour Party MP for Rimutaka, and was elected for the first time at the 2008 election. Before his election, he worked as a senior adviser to the administration of Prime Minister Helen Clark.

Hipkins was born in the Hutt Valley. He attended Waterloo Primary School, Hutt Intermediate and Hutt Valley Memorial College (later known as Petone College), where he was the Head Boy in 1996. He joined the Labour Party in the same year. Chris went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Politics and Criminology at Victoria University of Wellington, where he was Student President in 2000 and 2001. Chris also holds a National Certificate in Adult Education and Training, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Policy from Victoria University of Wellington.

After graduating, Hipkins held a number of jobs, including working as a policy advisor for the Industry Training Federation, and as a training manager for Todd Energy in Taranaki. Hipkins also worked in Parliament as an advisor to Trevor Mallard and Helen Clark.

Hipkins was selected to stand in the Labour seat of Rimutaka, following the retirement of sitting MP Paul Swain. Hipkins won the seat with a majority of 753.

Following the election, Hipkins was appointed the Labour spokesperson for Internal Affairs.

In May 2010, Hipkins' Electricity (Renewable Preference) Amendment Bill was drawn from the member's ballot. It was defeated at its first reading in June.

The 2011 General Elections saw Hipkins increase his winning margin in Rimutaka to 3,286. Following that he became the Labour Party's Chief Whip. Hipkins also holds the State Services and Associate Education spokesperson roles. In 2014 he increased his majority again to 6,664.

In late 2015, Hipkins received veiled threats, including a death threat, for voicing his concerns about a billboard advertising guns.