Kris Faafoi

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Kris Faafoi
MP
File:Kris Faafoi 2.jpg
Member of the New Zealand Parliament
for Mana
Assumed office
2010
Preceded by Luamanuvao Winnie Laban
Majority 7,915 in 2014
Personal details
Born 1976 (age 47–48)
Nationality  New Zealand
Political party Labour
Spouse(s) Gina Faafoi-Rogers
Children one son (born 2008)
Profession Journalist

Kristopher John "Kris" Faafoi (born 1976), a New Zealand politician, holds membership of the New Zealand Labour Party. He became the representative of the Mana electorate in the New Zealand Parliament in 2010.

Early life and family

Faafoi's parents are from the Tokelau atoll of Fakaofo.[1] He grew up in Christchurch. Faafoi was married to Gina Faafoi-Rogers, who is a producer with Radio New Zealand. They have a son George (born 2008).[2][3] His elder brother Jason is a TV presenter and musician.[4][5]

Professional career

Faafoi trained as a journalist. He worked for the BBC and as a political commentator.[1][6] Prior to the Mana by-election, he was the chief press secretary for Labour leader Phil Goff, and the Rongotai Pacific branch chair of the Labour Party.[7]

Political career

Parliament of New Zealand
Years Term Electorate List Party
2010–2011 49th Mana Labour
2011–2014 50th Mana 41 Labour
2014–present 51st Mana none Labour

After the resignation of Mana MP Winnie Laban on 10 August 2010,[8] Faafoi was chosen to represent the Labour Party in the resulting by-election, which was set for 20 November.[9][10] Four people contesting the selection, with Faafoi defeating business manager Michael Evans, barrister Peter Foster and communications adviser Josie Pagani.[6] During the campaign, he was criticised for a campaign brochure stating, "I had a great start because my family settled in Mana," implying that he grew up in the electorate despite being raised in Christchurch.[2]

Faafoi won the by-election with 10,980 votes (46.4%), becoming the first MP of Tokelauan descent.[2] Hekia Parata from the National Party was placed second and received 9,574 (41.6%), giving Faafoi a margin of 1,080 votes (4.82%).[11] This was a significant decrease of Laban's majority of 6,155 (17.7%) at the 2008 general election.[12] Faafoi more than doubled the margin in the 2011,[13] and had a 7,953 votes margin in the 2014.[14]

References

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  4. NZ aOn Screen - Long Lost Sons (2004)
  5. Jason Fa'afoi at the Internet Movie Database
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New Zealand Parliament
Preceded by Member of Parliament for Mana
2010–present
Incumbent