Guest Speaker - Minister Phil Twyford, Minister for Housing and Urban Development.
Hon Phil Twyford was born and
raised in Auckland. He is the Labour Member of Parliament for Te Atatu, where
he lives. Phil’s vision is for New Zealand to deliver hope and opportunity to
all people. He is committed to fixing the housing and transport problems that
affect our biggest city, as well as much of the rest of the country.
After studying politics at Auckland University, Phil worked as a journalist and union organiser before becoming the founding Executive Director of Oxfam New Zealand. Phil’s strong belief in justice led to him becoming Oxfam’s Global Advocacy Director, based in Washington DC.
Upon returning to New Zealand, Phil was elected to Parliament for the Labour Party in 2008. In Opposition, he held the portfolios of Housing, Transport, Auckland Issues, and Disarmament and Arms Control.
As Minister for Housing and Urban Development and Transport, Phil is leading the Government’s comprehensive plan to build New Zealand out of the housing crisis and is working with communities to create a safer and sustainable transport network.
