Jonathan Hunt (New Zealand politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Right Honourable Jonathan Hunt ONZ
Hunt in 2006
28th High Commissioner to the United Kingdom
In office April 2005 – March 2008
Prime Minister	Helen Clark
Preceded by	Russell Marshall
Succeeded by	Derek Leask
26th Speaker of the House of Representatives
In office 20 December 1999 – 3 March 2005
Prime Minister	Helen Clark
Preceded by	Doug Kidd
Succeeded by	Margaret Wilson
16th Minister of Housing
In office 14 August 1989 – 2 November 1990
Prime Minister	Geoffrey Palmer Mike Moore
Preceded by	Helen Clark
Succeeded by	John Luxton
27th Minister of Tourism
In office 10 January 1988 – 14 August 1989
Prime Minister	David Lange Geoffrey Palmer
Preceded by	Helen Clark
Succeeded by	Fran Wilde
3rd Leader of the House
In office 24 August 1987 – 2 November 1990
Prime Minister	David Lange Geoffrey Palmer Mike Moore
Preceded by	Geoffrey Palmer
Succeeded by	Paul East
50th Postmaster-General
In office 26 July 1984 – 24 August 1987
Prime Minister	David Lange
Preceded by	Rob Talbot
Succeeded by	Richard Prebble
Member of the New Zealand Parliament for New Lynn
In office 26 November 1966 – 12 October 1996
Preceded by	Rex Mason
Succeeded by	Phil Goff
Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Labour party list
In office 12 October 1996 – 31 March 2005
Succeeded by	Lesley Soper
Personal details
Born	Jonathan Lucas Hunt (1938-12-02)2 December 1938 Lower Hutt, New Zealand
Died	8 March 2024(2024-03-08) (aged 85)
Political party	Labour
Profession	High school teacher

Jonathan Lucas Hunt (2 December 1938 – 8 March 2024) was an important New Zealand politician and diplomat. He had a very long career in Parliament, lasting 38 years. He started as the youngest Member of Parliament (called the Baby of the House). He finished as the longest-serving Member of Parliament (called the Father of the House).

During his time in Parliament, he was the Speaker of the House of Representatives. After leaving Parliament, he became New Zealand's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. This is like being an ambassador for New Zealand in the UK. He was also a member of the Order of New Zealand, which is the highest award a civilian can receive in New Zealand.

Early Life and Education

Jonathan Hunt was born in Lower Hutt, New Zealand. He grew up in Palmerston North. He had a twin brother, David, who sadly passed away shortly after they were born.

Jonathan went to Palmerston North Boys' High School and later Auckland Grammar School. He then studied history at the University of Auckland. In 1958, he became the editor of the university's student magazine, Craccum.

After finishing university, Hunt worked as a teacher. From 1961 to 1966, he taught History, English, and Latin at Kelston Boys High School in West Auckland. He also coached cricket there. Jonathan Hunt loved cricket and was involved in the sport for many years.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

In 1966, when he was 27, Jonathan Hunt became a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented the New Lynn area in Auckland. This was a safe area for the Labour Party, so he was almost guaranteed a seat in Parliament. At that time, he was the youngest MP, earning him the nickname "Baby of the House."

In 1972, when the Labour Party won the election, Hunt became a junior government whip. Later, in 1974, he was promoted to Chairman of Committees. This role meant he helped the Speaker of the House of Representatives manage parliamentary debates.

After the Labour government lost the 1975 election, Hunt became a "Shadow Minister" for Health. This meant he was the Labour Party's spokesperson on health matters while they were not in power. He later became the "senior whip" for the Labour Party.

Cabinet Minister Roles

When the Labour Party formed the government again in 1984, Jonathan Hunt became a Cabinet Minister. This meant he was in charge of different government departments. He held several important roles:

• Postmaster-General: In charge of postal services.
• Minister of Broadcasting: Responsible for television and radio.
• Minister of Tourism: Promoted tourism in New Zealand.
• Minister of Housing: Looked after housing policies.

One of his important achievements was helping to pass the Adult Adoption Information Act in 1985. This law allowed adults who were adopted to find out who their birth parents were. It also allowed birth mothers to learn about their adult children who were adopted.

In 1987, he became the Leader of the House. This role involves managing the government's business in Parliament. During his second time as Minister of Broadcasting, he helped set up TV3. This was New Zealand's first commercial television channel, which started in 1989.

In 1989, he was made a member of the Privy Council. This is a special group of advisors to the King or Queen, and it was a recognition of his long service to Parliament.

From 1991 to 2005, Jonathan Hunt was the longest-serving Member of Parliament. This earned him the unofficial title of "Father of the House."

Speaker of the House of Representatives

In 1999, when the Labour government came to power again, Jonathan Hunt was chosen as the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Speaker is like the referee in Parliament, making sure debates are fair and rules are followed. He served as Speaker for six years, from 1999 to 2005.

High Commissioner to the United Kingdom

In December 2004, it was announced that Jonathan Hunt would retire from politics. He then became New Zealand's High Commissioner in London in 2005. This role meant he represented New Zealand in the United Kingdom. He served in this important diplomatic role until March 2008.

Personal Life and Interests

Hunt (right) and Australian cricket captain Allan Border in 1986.

Jonathan Hunt was a big fan of cricket throughout his life. He was also involved in managing the sport for many years. He was the patron of the University of Auckland Debating Society.

Jonathan Hunt passed away on 8 March 2024, at the age of 85.

Honours and Awards

Jonathan Hunt received several awards for his service to New Zealand:

• In 1977, he was given the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal.
• In 1990, he received the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal.
• In 2005, he was appointed a Member of the Order of New Zealand. This is the highest honour a New Zealander can receive.

Documentary

A documentary called Father of the House was made about Jonathan Hunt in 2005. It was filmed in Wellington.