The Honourable
Julie Anne Genter
MP
Genter in 2017
15th Minister for Women
In office
26 October 2017 – 6 November 2020
Prime MinisterJacinda Ardern
Preceded byPaula Bennett
Succeeded byJan Tinetti
Member of the New Zealand Parliament
for Rongotai
Assumed office
14 October 2023
Preceded byPaul Eagle
Majority2,717
Member of the New Zealand Parliament
for Green party list
In office
26 November 2011 (2011-11-26) – 14 October 2023
Personal details
Born (1979-12-17) 17 December 1979
Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
Political partyGreen
Domestic partnerPeter Nunns
Children2
Alma mater
WebsiteGreen Party profile

Julie Anne Genter MP (/ˈdʒɛntər/; born 17 December 1979) is an American-born New Zealand politician who is a member of the House of Representatives representing the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand. Genter was elected to each Parliament from 2011 to 2023 on the party lists, before being elected as the Member of Parliament for the Rongotai electorate in the 2023 election. She served as the Minister for Women, Associate Minister for Health and Associate Minister for Transport during the first term of the Sixth Labour Government.[1] She holds dual citizenship of New Zealand and the United States.[2]

Early life and education

Genter was born in Rochester, Minnesota, United States, in 1979, and grew up in Los Angeles, California.[3] She gained a BA in philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley in 2003.[4] She moved to France where in 2005 she obtained a post-graduate certificate in International Political Studies from the Institut d'études politiques in Paris.[4] She gained a Masters of Planning Practice from the University of Auckland in 2008.[5]

Professional life

Genter has worked as a transportation planner since coming to New Zealand in 2006. She was first employed by Sinclair Knight Merz, then by MRCagney (formerly McCormick Rankin Cagney) from 2008.[4]

She is recognised in the transportation industry as an expert on parking policy and its economic and transport effects,[6] and has advised numerous councils in Australasia on this topic.[7] She has given many presentations at conferences on the subject (for example 2008 New Zealand Society for Sustainability Engineering and Science,[8] 2008 IPENZ Transportation Conference[9] and 2010 Local Government Transport Forum[10]), and appeared on TVNZ's Breakfast programme[11][12] and Kim Hill's Saturday Morning programme on Radio New Zealand National.[7]

Member of Parliament

New Zealand Parliament
Years Term Electorate List Party
2011–2014 50th List 13 Green
2014–2017 51st List 8 Green
2017–2020 52nd List 3 Green
2020–2023 53rd List 4 Green
2023–present 54th Rongotai 4 Green
Genter in 2017

In opposition, 2011–2017

Placed in 13th place on the Green Party list for the 2011 election,[13] Genter entered Parliament, with the Greens gaining 14 List Members of Parliament.[14][15]

In July 2015 Genter became the third ever female MP to hold a finance portfolio, alongside the Transport and Youth portfolios.[16] The departure of long-standing Health Spokesperson Kevin Hague in September 2016 led to her taking on the Health portfolio, keeping Transport, Youth, Auckland Issues, and Associate Finance.[17]

As an MP, Genter criticised the Fifth National government for spending billions of dollars on motorways,[18] called for a nationwide mental health inquiry,[19] and questioned Health Minister Jonathan Coleman on his use of a Coca-Cola funded study.[20] In January 2017 Genter criticised former Green Party issues director Laila Harré, stating that the reason Harré gave for resigning from the Greens was not factual. Genter quickly apologised to Harré stating "regret any slight to your integrity".[21]

In late 2016 Genter announced that she would be putting her name forward for the Green Party nomination for the Mount Albert by-election,[22][23][24] which she gained in January.[25] Genter came second in the February 2017 by-election after Jacinda Ardern.[26]

Genter stated that she rebuffed an approach by Gareth Morgan to waka-jump to his The Opportunities Party (TOP) in July 2017, though TOP denied any "formal" approach had been made.[27] At the 2017 election, Genter was re-elected to parliament on the Green Party list.[28]

In Government, 2017–2023

Genter was appointed Minister for Women and Associate Minister of both Health and Transport in the Green-supported Labour–New Zealand First coalition government.[29][1] Genter chose to take her oath to the Crown in Te Reo Māori along with other members, for which she was praised by political colleagues and members of the public.[30]

In 2018 Genter added Civil Aviation to her portfolio as Associate Minister of Transport, after Transport Minister Phil Twyford was reported for making a phone call from an airplane preparing for departure.[31][32]

Genter was re-elected to Parliament on the Green party list in the October 2020 New Zealand election,[33] when the Greens earned 7.9% of the popular vote.[34] Labour formed a majority government, and invited only the co-leaders of the Green Party to join Cabinet.[35] Genter therefore stood down from her ministerial portfolios, but was granted retention of the title "The Honourable" for life in recognition of her term as a member of the Executive Council.[36]

Genter was named Green Party spokesperson for Building and Construction, COVID-19 Response, Customs, Energy and Resources, Finance, Infrastructure, Local Government, State Owned Enterprises, Transport, and Urban Development.[37]

In opposition, 2023–present

At the 2023 general election, Genter won the Rongotai electorate for the Greens,[38] receiving 2,717 more votes than Labour's candidate, Fleur Fitzsimons.[39]

Personal life

On 18 February 2018, Genter announced that she was pregnant,[40] having previously revealed that she had suffered a series of miscarriages.[41] In August Genter gave birth to a baby boy, announcing the news on her social media.[42] She made international headlines after she and her partner cycled to Auckland Hospital for her labour to be induced.[43][44][45]

In early 2019, Genter and her partner Peter Nunns moved to live in Wellington.[46] In November 2021, she once again cycled to hospital to give birth to her second child, a daughter.[47][48]

Views and positions

Women

In her three years as Minister for Women, Genter worked to reduce the public-sector gender pay gap, and increased funding for primary maternity services.[45]

Transport incentives and funding

Genter and the Green Party support a "feebate" scheme introduced by the Labour-led government to encourage a shift from petrol vehicles with high emissions of polluting material to electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.[49] When serving as Associate Minister of Transport in the previous term of government, Genter had been involved in the development of a similar policy which was blocked by New Zealand First.[50] The scheme will see the sale of high-emitting vehicles, including New Zealand's best selling car the Ford Ranger[51] being subject to a fee of up to $5,000 to fund rebates for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Genter said on Twitter that the Ford Ranger was advertised as "all about lifestyle and status for men who want to feel more masculine," in the context of debate as to whether such vehicles were used for work purposes or as "a fashion choice for city dwellers." Genter later acknowledged that Ford Rangers are used for work by some, and said: "I was tweeting about how they are marketed, not a statement about everyone using one."[52]

Genter negotiated for the Government to remove fringe benefit tax on employer payments for public transport, to match the tax exemption for work-provided carparks,[53] and introduced subsidies for e-bikes.[54]

Genter has been a strong supporter of better passenger rail between Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga.[55] As chair of the government's Infrastructure Committee, she promoted further investment in regional passenger rail services.[56]

During the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020, Genter increased funding for tactical urbanism, enabling rapid expansion of cycle lanes and footpaths. [57]

Transport safety

As Associate Minister for Transport, Genter introduced speed limits around all schools, supported by funding for signs and speed cameras.[58]

Health

As Associate Minister for Health, Genter introduced government funding for spouses, partners and parents who care for a family member with disabilities.[59]

Abortion

Genter voted in favour of legislation that decriminalises abortion.[60]

Cannabis

Genter supports legalising while also regulating the use of cannabis.[61]

References

  1. 1 2 Mann, Britt (4 March 2018). "Julie Anne Genter: Minister for Women, mother-to-be, full-time feminist". Stuff. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 11 November 2020.
  2. ↑ "Genter, Julie-Anne". Hansard Reports. New Zealand Parliament. 27 May 2014.
  3. ↑ "Greens buoyed by prospect of having 15 MPs". The New Zealand Herald. 5 November 2011. Retrieved 15 February 2012.
  4. 1 2 3 Genter, Julie Anne (2010). "Julie Anne Genter" (PDF). www.julieanne.co.nz. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 February 2014. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  5. ↑ "Julie Anne Genter". julieanne.co.nz. Archived from the original on 20 November 2011. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  6. ↑ "Julie-Anne Genter information". Living Streets Aotearoa. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  7. 1 2 "Saturday Morning". Radio New Zealand National. 13 November 2010. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  8. ↑ Genter, Julie Anne (2008), "How minimum parking standards underpin car dependence: the new parking management paradigm" (PDF), New Zealand Society for Sustainability Engineering and Science 2008 Conference, New Zealand Society for Sustainability Engineering and Science
  9. ↑ Genter, Julie Anne (2008), "The Missing Link: Parking as the integration of transportation and land use" (PDF), 2008 IPENZ Transportation Conference, Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand
  10. ↑ Genter, Julie Anne (2010), "The real cost of parking – Impacts on transportation and land use", 2010 Local Government Transport Forum, Local Government Transport Forum, archived from the original on 4 March 2016
  11. ↑ "Julie Anne on TVNZ's Breakfast". julieanne.co.nz. Archived from the original on 22 December 2011. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  12. ↑ "Breakfast: Wednesday December 9". TVNZ. 9 December 2009. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  13. ↑ "2011 election candidates". Green Party. Archived from the original on 12 February 2013. Retrieved 26 November 2011.
  14. ↑ Trevett, Claire (27 November 2011). "National soars as Labour put to the sword". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 26 November 2011.
  15. ↑ "Big batch of new MPs for Parliament". TVNZ. 28 November 2011. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  16. ↑ "Greens: Portfolio reshuffle sees third-ever woman finance spokesperson". Stuff. 12 July 2015. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
  17. ↑ "Greens reshuffle their lineup: New MP and new finance and health spokespeople". Stuff. 28 September 2016. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
  18. ↑ "When the National Govt tries to claim... – Julie Anne Genter MP | Facebook". Facebook. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
  19. ↑ "Mental health system crying out for help". Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand. 27 January 2017. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
  20. ↑ "Green Party criticises health minister's stance on sugary drinks tax". Stuff. 8 December 2016. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
  21. ↑ "Green MP Julie Ann Genter apologises for criticising Laila Harre, regrets slighting her integrity". The New Zealand Herald. 27 January 2017. Retrieved 27 January 2017.
  22. ↑ Nicholas Jones (23 December 2016). "Green Party to contest Mt Albert byelection against Labour candidate Jacinda Ardern". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
  23. ↑ "Green Party decision on Mt Albert by-election" (Press release). New Zealand Labour Party. Scoop (website). 23 December 2016. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
  24. ↑ "Green Party to stand against Labour in Mt Albert by-election". stuff.co.nz. 23 December 2016. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
  25. ↑ Jones, Nicholas (12 January 2017). "Mt Albert byelection: It's Jacinda Ardern v Julie Anne Genter". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  26. ↑ "Mt Albert – Official Result". Electoral Commission. 12 August 2020. Archived from the original on 12 August 2020. Retrieved 11 November 2020.
  27. ↑ Small, Vernon (7 July 2017). "Senior Green MP says she rebuffed TOP party call for her to jump ship". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  28. ↑ "2017 General Election – Official Result Successful Candidates". Electoral Commission. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  29. ↑ "Ministerial List". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  30. ↑ Roy, Eleanor Ainge (26 October 2017). "Jacinda Ardern sworn in as New Zealand PM, promising 'empathetic' government". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
  31. ↑ Watkins, Tracy; Moir, Jo (24 May 2018). "Minister Phil Twyford apologises for Civil Aviation breach". Stuff. Archived from the original on 13 February 2019. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  32. ↑ Bennett, Lucy (24 May 2018). "Grounded: Phil Twyford offers to resign, stripped of role after phone call on plane". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  33. ↑ "2020 General Election and Referendums – Official Result Successful Candidates". Electoral Commission. Archived from the original on 7 November 2020. Retrieved 11 November 2020.
  34. ↑ "2020 General Election and Referendums – Official Result". Electoral Commission. Retrieved 11 November 2020.
  35. ↑ Roy, Eleanor Ainge (31 October 2020). "New Zealand Greens accept Ardern's offer of 'cooperation agreement'". The Observer. ISSN 0029-7712. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  36. ↑ "Retention of the title "The Honourable"". New Zealand Gazette. 10 November 2020. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  37. ↑ "Green Party Announce Portfolio Reshuffle With Talented And Energised Caucus Team". Scoop. Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  38. ↑ "2023 General Election: Successful candidates". Electoral Commission. 3 November 2023. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  39. ↑ "Rongotai – Official Result". Electoral Commission. 3 November 2023. Archived from the original on 25 November 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  40. ↑ "Greens MP Julie Anne Genter pregnant – baby due in August". The New Zealand Herald. 18 February 2018. Retrieved 18 February 2018.
  41. ↑ "Green MP reveals miscarriage". Newshub. 13 March 2017. Retrieved 18 February 2018.
  42. ↑ "Green Party MP Julie Anne Genter becomes a mum for first time". Stuff.co.nz. 22 August 2018.
  43. ↑ Graham-McLay, Charlotte (19 August 2018). "Pregnant Minister Cycles to Hospital to Give Birth". The New York Times. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  44. ↑ "Pregnant Julie Anne Genter's cycle to hospital makes world-wide headlines". The New Zealand Herald. 20 August 2018.
  45. 1 2 Lang, Sarah. "Julie Anne Genter's baby joy: 'I've never been so emotional'". NZ Herald. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  46. ↑ Henger, Karyn (6 March 2020). "Minister for Women Julie Anne Genter says adjusting to motherhood has been a roller coaster". Now To Love.
  47. ↑ "Julie Anne Genter cycles to hospital to give birth". RNZ. 28 November 2021.
  48. ↑ Deguara, Brittney (28 November 2021). "Green MP Julie Anne Genter cycles to hospital while in labour – again". Stuff.co.nz.
  49. ↑ "Jacinda Ardern considered exemption for utes in electric car incentive scheme but ruled it out". Newshub. 16 June 2021.
  50. ↑ Coughlan, Thomas (21 February 2020). "NZ First axes Government's 'feebate' electric vehicle subsidy plan, while Greens vow to take the policy to the election". Stuff. Retrieved 26 June 2021.
  51. ↑ "New Zealand 2020. Best selling cars ranking". Focus2move. 17 February 2021.
  52. ↑ "PM defends 'feebates' move as the work ute vs Remuera tractor debate sparks up". NZ Herald. 14 June 2021.
  53. ↑ "'Tax legislation makes Green Party change to public transport tax rules'". www.voxy.co.nz. Digital Advance Limited. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  54. ↑ "Government employees to get e-bike discount of up to 50 percent". RNZ. 13 December 2019. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  55. ↑ Jones, Nicolas. "Auckland-Hamilton-Tauranga rail plan". NZ Herald. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  56. ↑ Galuszka, Jono (12 August 2022). "Politicians keen to hear people's thoughts on rail services between regions". Stuff. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  57. ↑ Reid, Carlton (13 April 2020). "New Zealand First Country To Fund Pop-Up Bike Lanes, Widened Sidewalks During Lockdown". Forbes. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  58. ↑ Hutt, Kendall (28 November 2019). "Government to lower speed limits around schools, add more speed cameras". Stuff. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  59. ↑ "Family carers to be paid fairer wage". RNZ. 7 July 2019. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  60. ↑ "Abortion law passes first hurdle 94 votes to 23". Newshub. 8 August 2019.
  61. ↑ "Julie Anne Genter and Simon O'Connor debate cannabis reform". Stuff NZ. 5 July 2017.
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