Julie Anne Genter Explained

Julie Anne Genter
Honorific-Prefix:The Honourable
Order1:15th Minister for Women
Term Start1:26 October 2017
Term End1:6 November 2020
Primeminister1:Jacinda Ardern
Predecessor1:Paula Bennett
Successor1:Jan Tinetti
Term Start2:14 October 2023
Parliament2:New Zealand
Majority2:2,717
Constituency Mp3:Green party list
Parliament3:New Zealand
Term End3:14 October 2023
Birth Date:17 December 1979
Birth Place:Rochester, Minnesota, U.S.
Partner:Peter Nunns
Children:2
Website:Green Party profile

Julie Anne Genter (; 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. She holds dual citizenship of New Zealand and the United States.[1]

Early life and education

Genter was born in Rochester, Minnesota, United States, in 1979, and grew up in Los Angeles, California.[2] She gained a BA in philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley in 2003.[3] 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. She gained a Masters of Planning Practice from the University of Auckland in 2008.[4]

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.

She is recognised in the transportation industry as an expert on parking policy and its economic and transport effects,[5] and has advised numerous councils in Australasia on this topic. She has given many presentations at conferences on the subject (for example 2008 New Zealand Society for Sustainability Engineering and Science, 2008 IPENZ Transportation Conference and 2010 Local Government Transport Forum), and appeared on TVNZ's Breakfast programme[6] [7] and Kim Hill's Saturday Morning programme on Radio New Zealand National.[8]

Member of Parliament

In opposition, 2011–2017

Placed in 13th place on the Green Party list for the,[9] Genter entered Parliament, with the Greens gaining 14 List Members of Parliament.[10] [11]

In July 2015 Genter became the third ever female MP to hold a finance portfolio, alongside the Transport and Youth portfolios.[12] 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.[13]

As an MP, Genter criticised the Fifth National government for spending billions of dollars on motorways,[14] called for a nationwide mental health inquiry,[15] and questioned Health Minister Jonathan Coleman on his use of a Coca-Cola funded study.[16] 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".[17]

In late 2016 Genter announced that she would be putting her name forward for the Green Party nomination for the Mount Albert by-election,[18] [19] [20] which she gained in January.[21] Genter came second in the February 2017 by-election after Jacinda Ardern.[22]

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.[23] At the, Genter was re-elected to parliament on the Green Party list.[24]

In Government, 2017–2023

When the Labour Party and the Green Party formed a new government with New Zealand First, Genter was appointed Minister for Women and Associate Minister of both Health and Transport.[25] [26] 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.[27]

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.[28] [29]

Genter was re-elected to Parliament on the Green party list in the October 2020 New Zealand election,[30] when the Greens earned 7.9% of the popular vote.[31] Labour formed a majority government, and invited only the co-leaders of the Green Party to join Cabinet.[32] 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.[33]

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.[34]

In opposition, 2023–present

At the 2023 general election, Genter stood as a 'two-tick' candidate, seeking both the party vote and electorate vote.[35] The campaign was successful, with the Rongotai electorate choosing a non-Labour representative for the first time ever.[36] Genter received 2,717 more votes than Labour's candidate, Fleur Fitzsimons and almost twice as many votes as the third-placed National Party candidate.[37]

On 29 November 2023, Genter assumed the Green Party's transport, infrastructure, urban development, building and construction, economic development, and state owned enterprises spokesperson portfolios.[38]

On 1 May 2024 during a parliamentary debate on roading projects, Genter walked over to from her seat and yelled "Read the report!" at National MP and Minister Matt Doocey. Genter returned to her seat then rose and apologised. The Speaker later said he would refer Genter to Parliament's privileges committee. [39] In the following days, two Wellington small business owners publicised their own complaints about arguments they had had with Genter over her advocacy of cycleways in the city,[40] [41] [42] and a City Councillor alleged a similar incident from five years earlier. [42] Genter apologised for her exchanges with the business owners.[43]

On 1 August 2024, Genter was found in contempt of Parliament, censured and ordered to apologise after shouting at Doocey in May 2024. The Green Party described her actions as unacceptable and in breach of standards expected of MPs.[44]

Personal life

On 18 February 2018, Genter announced that she was pregnant,[45] having previously revealed that she had suffered a series of miscarriages.[46] In August, Genter gave birth to a baby boy, announcing the news on her social media.[47] She made international headlines after she and her partner cycled to Auckland Hospital for her labour to be induced.[48] [49] [50]

In early 2019, Genter and her partner Peter Nunns moved to live in Wellington.[51] In November 2021, she once again cycled to hospital to give birth to her second child, a daughter.[52] [53]

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.[50]

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.[54] 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.[55] The scheme saw the sale of high-emitting vehicles 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."[56]

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,[57] and introduced subsidies for e-bikes.[58]

Genter has been a strong supporter of better passenger rail between Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga.[59] As chair of the government's Infrastructure Committee, she promoted further investment in regional passenger rail services.[60]

During the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020, Genter increased funding for tactical urbanism, enabling rapid expansion of cycle lanes and footpaths.[61]

Transport safety

As Associate Minister for Transport, Genter introduced lower speed limits around all schools, supported by funding for signs and speed cameras.[62]

Health

As Associate Minister for Health, Genter introduced government funding for spouses, partners and parents who care for a family member with disabilities.[63]

Abortion

Genter voted in favour of legislation that decriminalises abortion.[64]

Cannabis

Genter supports legalising while also regulating the use of cannabis.[65]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Genter, Julie-Anne. Hansard Reports. New Zealand Parliament. 27 May 2014.
  2. News: Greens buoyed by prospect of having 15 MPs . The New Zealand Herald . 5 November 2011 . 15 February 2012.
  3. Web site: Genter. Julie Anne. Julie Anne Genter. www.julieanne.co.nz . 30 November 2011 . 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140201154532/http://www.julieanne.co.nz/files/CV-Julie-Anne-Genter.pdf . 1 February 2014.
  4. Web site: Julie Anne Genter. julieanne.co.nz. 30 November 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20111120191039/http://www.julieanne.co.nz/about-julie-anne.html. 20 November 2011.
  5. Web site: Julie-Anne Genter information. Living Streets Aotearoa. 30 November 2011.
  6. Web site: Julie Anne on TVNZ's Breakfast. julieanne.co.nz. 30 November 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20111222080000/http://julieanne.co.nz/media.html. 22 December 2011.
  7. News: Breakfast: Wednesday December 9. TVNZ . 30 November 2011 . 9 December 2009.
  8. News: Saturday Morning. 30 November 2011 . Radio New Zealand National . 13 November 2010.
  9. Web site: 2011 election candidates . Green Party . 26 November 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130212134844/http://www.greens.org.nz/people/candidates . 12 February 2013 . dead .
  10. News: Trevett. Claire. National soars as Labour put to the sword. 26 November 2011 . The New Zealand Herald . 27 November 2011.
  11. News: Big batch of new MPs for Parliament . 30 November 2011. TVNZ. 28 November 2011.
  12. Web site: Greens: Portfolio reshuffle sees third-ever woman finance spokesperson. Stuff. 12 July 2015 . 10 February 2017.
  13. Web site: Greens reshuffle their lineup: New MP and new finance and health spokespeople. Stuff. 28 September 2016 . 10 February 2017.
  14. Web site: When the National Govt tries to claim... – Julie Anne Genter MP Facebook. Facebook. en. 10 February 2017.
  15. News: Mental health system crying out for help. 27 January 2017. Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand. 10 February 2017. en.
  16. Web site: Green Party criticises health minister's stance on sugary drinks tax. Stuff. 8 December 2016 . 10 February 2017.
  17. News: Green MP Julie Ann Genter apologises for criticising Laila Harre, regrets slighting her integrity. The New Zealand Herald. 27 January 2017. 27 January 2017.
  18. News: Green Party to contest Mt Albert byelection against Labour candidate Jacinda Ardern. The New Zealand Herald. Nicholas Jones. 23 December 2016. 23 December 2016.
  19. Green Party decision on Mt Albert by-election . . . 23 December 2016 . 23 December 2016.
  20. News: Green Party to stand against Labour in Mt Albert by-election. stuff.co.nz. 23 December 2016 . 23 December 2016.
  21. News: Mt Albert byelection: It's Jacinda Ardern v Julie Anne Genter . The New Zealand Herald . Nicholas . Jones . 12 January 2017 . 12 January 2017.
  22. Web site: Mt Albert – Official Result . . 11 November 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200812145321/https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/2017_mt_albert_byelection/ . 12 August 2020 . 12 August 2020 . live.
  23. News: Senior Green MP says she rebuffed TOP party call for her to jump ship . . Vernon Small . Vernon . Small . 7 July 2017 . 5 September 2017.
  24. Web site: 2017 General Election – Official Result Successful Candidates. Electoral Commission. 26 October 2017.
  25. Web site: Ministerial List . Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 26 October 2017.
  26. News: Mann . Britt . Julie Anne Genter: Minister for Women, mother-to-be, full-time feminist . 11 November 2020 . . 4 March 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201109023959/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/101725307/julie-anne-genter-minister-for-women-mothertobe-fulltime-feminist . 9 November 2020. live.
  27. Web site: Roy. Eleanor Ainge. Jacinda Ardern sworn in as New Zealand PM, promising 'empathetic' government. The Guardian. 3 February 2018. en. 26 October 2017.
  28. News: Watkins. Tracy. Moir. Jo. Minister Phil Twyford apologises for Civil Aviation breach. 24 May 2018. Stuff. 24 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20190213222152/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/104196693/minister-phil-twyford-apologies-for-civil-aviation-breach. 13 February 2019. live.
  29. News: Bennett. Lucy. Grounded: Phil Twyford offers to resign, stripped of role after phone call on plane. 24 May 2018. . 24 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20201109043613/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/grounded-phil-twyford-offers-to-resign-stripped-of-role-after-phone-call-on-plane/7GVV2557BPC4UHSV52SBDFSGBE/. 9 November 2020. live.
  30. Web site: 2020 General Election and Referendums – Official Result Successful Candidates. Electoral Commission. 11 November 2020. 7 November 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201107204759/https://electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2020/successful-candidates.html. dead.
  31. Web site: 2020 General Election and Referendums – Official Result . . 11 November 2020 .
  32. News: Roy. Eleanor Ainge. 31 October 2020. New Zealand Greens accept Ardern's offer of 'cooperation agreement'. en-GB. The Observer. 1 November 2020. 0029-7712. 1 November 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201101010850/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/31/new-zealand-greens-accept-arderns-offer-of-cooperation-agreement. live.
  33. News: Retention of the title "The Honourable" . 10 November 2020 . New Zealand Gazette . 10 November 2020.
  34. Web site: Green Party Announce Portfolio Reshuffle With Talented And Energised Caucus Team . Scoop . Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand . 23 November 2020.
  35. News: MacManus . Joel . For the first time ever, Rongotai is interesting . 15 May 2024 . The Spinoff . 4 September 2023 . en.
  36. Web site: 2023 General Election: Successful candidates . . 20 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231117114239/https://electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/successful-candidates.html . 17 November 2023 . 3 November 2023 . live.
  37. Web site: Rongotai – Official Result . . 15 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231125010112/https://archive.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/electorate-details-43.html . 25 November 2023 . 3 November 2023 . live.
  38. News: Greens unveil portfolio spokespeople . 23 February 2024 . . 29 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231128214920/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/29/greens-unveil-portfolio-spokespeople/ . 28 November 2023.
  39. News: Sherman . Maiki . Julie Anne Genter breaks silence - and offers three more apologies . 7 May 2024 . . 7 May 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240507081827/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/05/07/julie-anne-genter-breaks-silence-and-offers-three-more-apologies/. 7 May 2024. live.
  40. News: Lynch . Jenna . 'She's a bully': Newshub reveals new allegation of intimidation against Green MP . 2 May 2024 . . 1 May 2024 . en. https://web.archive.org/web/20240502212549/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2024/05/julie-anne-genter-outburst-fresh-allegation-of-intimidation-surfaces-against-green-mp.html. 2 May 2024. live.
  41. News: Campbell . Georgina . Wellington business owner Nicola Cranfield claims Green MP Julie Anne Genter grabbed her . 4 May 2024 . . 4 May 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240504105212/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellington-business-owner-nicola-cranfield-claims-green-mp-julie-anne-genter-grabbed-her/JDNK2H7VHBA4HLMLPPT2CCJQTY/. 4 May 2024. live.
  42. News: Whyte . Anna . Business owner alleges she was 'grabbed' by Julie Anne Genter . 6 May 2024 . . 4 May 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240506025146/https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/350267356/business-owner-alleges-she-was-grabbed-julie-anne-genter . 6 May 2024. subscription.
  43. News: Sherman . Maiki . Julie Anne Genter breaks silence - and offers three more apologies . 7 May 2024 . . 7 May 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240507081827/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/05/07/julie-anne-genter-breaks-silence-and-offers-three-more-apologies/. 7 May 2024. live.
  44. News: Julie Anne Genter to be censured and apologise over shouting incident . 1 August 2024 . . 1 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240801002603/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/523846/julie-anne-genter-to-be-censured-and-apologise-over-shouting-incident . 1 August 2024. live.
  45. Web site: Greens MP Julie Anne Genter pregnant – baby due in August . . 18 February 2018 . 18 February 2018 .
  46. News: Green MP reveals miscarriage . Newshub . 18 February 2018 . 13 March 2017 .
  47. Web site: Green Party MP Julie Anne Genter becomes a mum for first time . 22 August 2018 . Stuff.co.nz.
  48. News: Graham-McLay . Charlotte . Pregnant Minister Cycles to Hospital to Give Birth . 14 October 2022 . The New York Times . 19 August 2018.
  49. Web site: Pregnant Julie Anne Genter's cycle to hospital makes world-wide headlines . 20 August 2018 . .
  50. News: Lang . Sarah . Julie Anne Genter's baby joy: 'I've never been so emotional' . 14 October 2022 . . en-NZ.
  51. Web site: Minister for Women Julie Anne Genter says adjusting to motherhood has been a roller coaster. Karyn. Henger. Now To Love. 6 March 2020.
  52. News: Julie Anne Genter cycles to hospital to give birth . 28 November 2021 . RNZ .
  53. Web site: Green MP Julie Anne Genter cycles to hospital while in labour – again . 28 November 2021 . Stuff.co.nz . Brittney . Deguara.
  54. News: Jacinda Ardern considered exemption for utes in electric car incentive scheme but ruled it out. Newshub. 16 June 2021.
  55. News: Coughlan . Thomas . NZ First axes Government's 'feebate' electric vehicle subsidy plan, while Greens vow to take the policy to the election . 26 June 2021 . . 21 February 2020.
  56. Web site: PM defends 'feebates' move as the work ute vs Remuera tractor debate sparks up. NZ Herald. 14 June 2021.
  57. Web site: 'Tax legislation makes Green Party change to public transport tax rules' . www.voxy.co.nz . Digital Advance Limited . 14 October 2022 . en.
  58. News: Government employees to get e-bike discount of up to 50 percent . 14 October 2022 . RNZ . 13 December 2019 . en-nz.
  59. News: Jones . Nicolas . Auckland-Hamilton-Tauranga rail plan . 14 October 2022 . NZ Herald . en-NZ.
  60. News: Galuszka . Jono . Politicians keen to hear people's thoughts on rail services between regions . 14 October 2022 . Stuff . 12 August 2022 . en.
  61. News: Reid . Carlton . New Zealand First Country To Fund Pop-Up Bike Lanes, Widened Sidewalks During Lockdown . 14 October 2022 . Forbes . 13 April 2020 . en.
  62. News: Hutt . Kendall . Government to lower speed limits around schools, add more speed cameras . 14 October 2022 . Stuff . 28 November 2019 . en.
  63. News: Family carers to be paid fairer wage . 14 October 2022 . RNZ . 7 July 2019 . en-nz.
  64. Web site: Abortion law passes first hurdle 94 votes to 23. Newshub. 8 August 2019.
  65. Web site: Julie Anne Genter and Simon O'Connor debate cannabis reform. Stuff NZ. 5 July 2017.

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