Kris Faafoi
| Kris Faafoi MP | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Mana | |
|
Assumed office 2010 | |
| Preceded by | Luamanuvao Winnie Laban |
| Majority | 7,915 in 2014 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1976 (age 39–40) |
| Nationality |
 New Zealand |
| Political party | Labour |
| Spouse(s) | Gina Faafoi-Rogers |
| Children | one son (born 2008) |
| Profession | Journalist |
Kristopher John "Kris" Faafoi (born 1976), a New Zealand politician, holds membership of the New Zealand Labour Party. He became the representative of the Mana electorate in the New Zealand Parliament in 2010.
Early life and family
Faafoi's parents are from the Tokelau atoll of Fakaofo.[1] He grew up in Christchurch. Faafoi was married to Gina Faafoi-Rogers, who is a producer with Radio New Zealand. They have a son George (born 2008).[2][3] His elder brother Jason is a TV presenter and musician.[4][5]
Professional career
Faafoi trained as a journalist. He worked for the BBC and as a political commentator.[1][6] Prior to the Mana by-election, he was the chief press secretary for Labour leader Phil Goff, and the Rongotai Pacific branch chair of the Labour Party.[7]
Political career
| Parliament of New Zealand | ||||
| Years | Term | Electorate | List | Party |
| 2010–2011 | 49th | Mana | Labour | |
| 2011–2014 | 50th | Mana | 41 | Labour |
| 2014–present | 51st | Mana | none | Labour |
After the resignation of Mana MP Winnie Laban on 10 August 2010,[8] Faafoi was chosen to represent the Labour Party in the resulting by-election, which was set for 20 November.[9][10] Four people contesting the selection, with Faafoi defeating business manager Michael Evans, barrister Peter Foster and communications adviser Josie Pagani.[6] During the campaign, he was criticised for a campaign brochure stating, "I had a great start because my family settled in Mana," implying that he grew up in the electorate despite being raised in Christchurch.[2]
Faafoi won the by-election with 10,980 votes (46.4%), becoming the first MP of Tokelauan descent.[2] Hekia Parata from the National Party was placed second and received 9,574 (41.6%), giving Faafoi a margin of 1,080 votes (4.82%).[11] This was a significant decrease of Laban's majority of 6,155 (17.7%) at the 2008 general election.[12] Faafoi more than doubled the margin in the 2011,[13] and had a 7,953 votes margin in the 2014.[14]
References
- 1 2 "About me". Labour Party. Retrieved 19 November 2010.
- 1 2 3 "Labour's Kris Faafoi wins Mana by-election". New Zealand Herald. 20 November 2010. Retrieved 22 November 2010.
- ↑ Small, Vernon (22 November 2010). "Mana's man Faafoi straight into 2011 campaign". Stuff. Retrieved 22 November 2010.
- ↑ NZ aOn Screen - Long Lost Sons (2004)
- ↑ Jason Fa'afoi at the Internet Movie Database
- 1 2 New Zealand Press Association (18 September 2010). "Labour picks former journalist for Mana seat". Television New Zealand. Retrieved 19 November 2010.
- ↑ "Candidate is Kris Faafoi". Newstalk ZB. 18 September 2010. Retrieved 19 November 2010.
- ↑ Watkins, Tracy (10 August 2010). "By-election as Labour's Winnie Laban leaves Parliament". Stuff.co.nz. Archived from the original on 10 August 2010. Retrieved 10 August 2010.
- ↑ Phil Goff (10 August 2010). "Luamanuvao Winnie Laban to stand down" (Press release). New Zealand Labour Party. Archived from the original on 10 August 2010. Retrieved 10 August 2010.
- ↑ Andrea Vance (4 October 2010). "Mana byelection set for Nov 20". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 4 October 2010.
- ↑ "By-Election Results -- Mana". Electoral Commission. Retrieved 21 November 2010.
- ↑ "Official Count Results – Mana". Elections New Zealand. 22 November 2008. Retrieved 21 November 2010.
- ↑ "Official Count Results -- Mana". Electoral Commission. 10 December 2011. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
- ↑ "Official Count Results -- Mana". Electoral Commission. 4 October 2014. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
| New Zealand Parliament | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Luamanuvao Winnie Laban |
Member of Parliament for Mana 2010–present |
Incumbent |