Keith Locke
Keith was born into a politically active family and has been an activist and campaigner since the first anti-nuclear marches and anti-apartheid protests in 1960s New Zealand. Keith has brought his long term specialist knowledge of human rights, both domestic and international, to his work as a Green MP. He has been described as 'the bravest man in Parliament' and 'respected across party lines for his consistency and willingness to speak against the tide of popular opinion.
I've enjoyed being part of the Green team in Parliament, and working alongside Green activists nationally. I have been part of some successes: for example, I helped ensure that New Zealand stood aside from the invasion of Iraq. I want New Zealand to be a model nuclear-free peacemaking country, promoting non-violent solutions to the world's problems. Another focus of my work, in this Parliament and hopefully the next, is to stop our civil liberties being continually eroded in the name of the "war against terror". As Green spokesperson on Auckland transport issues, I have campaigned to redirect money away from the construction of new urban motorways and into public transport, as well as facilities for walkers and cyclists. There is much to be done in the next Parliament to promote ecologically sustainable cities, and I would like to be a part of that.
Work and life experience
Green Member of Parliament.
Previous employment: 1990-99: Manager of One World Books (specialising in social justice and environmental books); 1986-90: National Coordinator, Philippines Solidarity Network; 1978-86: factory worker (in car assembly, railways, meat processing); 1972-77: editor of a Left newspaper; 1970-72: Sociology Lecturer, Victoria University.
Qualifications and training
B.Sc (Hons), MA.
Political background
Joined the Green Party in 1997. A Green Member of Parliament since 1999.
Policy interests: During my time as a Member of Parliament I've been the Green Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Defence, Disarmament, Immigration, Human Rights, Police, Transport (associate) and Industrial Relations (associate).
Community and other involvement
The first political organisation I joined was Forest and Bird, in Christchurch. I've also held responsible positions in various peace and international social justice groups (eg. anti-Vietnam war, the Wellington Latin America Committee and Auckland People Against Frigates). I've also been active in unions as a job delegate, and in supporting Maori causes, from Bastion Point on. I've helped civil liberties groups like Amnesty and aid groups like Trade Aid.
Civil society awards: 2001: "Courage Under Fire" award (Dominion Post); 2002: "Backbencher of the Year" Award (New Zealand Herald); 2003: "Politician of the Year" Award (Chris Trotter, on Radio New Zealand), 2004: "Conscience of the Year" (Scoop Awards).
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