Chris Penk
MP for Kaipara ki Mahurangi
First elected to Parliament in 2017, Chris' key focus is providing representation for Kaipara Ki Mahurangi, which includes advocating for constituents and lobbying Ministers on various local issues. He is the former MP for Helensville.
After completing his secondary education at Kelston Boys High School, Chris studied at Auckland University, gaining a Bachelor of Arts degree.
He had joined the Royal New Zealand Navy in 2000, serving as an officer of the watch on the HMNZS Te Kaha. He also worked at Government House as aide-de-camp to the Governor-General in 2003. Later, Chris joined the Australian Defence Force, fulfilling his dream of serving in submarines and was stationed in the Northern Arabian Gulf in late 2007.
Chris returned to New Zealand in 2008 and gained a Bachelor of Laws degree. This culminated in his admission to the bar in 2010 and working as a staff solicitor in Auckland. In late 2015 he established his own firm, leaving in 2017 to enter Parliament.