Commonly asked questions about the Prime Minister

1. Do you have a husband/what is his name? Do you have any children?

My husband’s name is Peter Davis. We do not have any children.

2. Where do you live and how do you travel to work?

During the week I live in Premier House, the official residence of the Prime Minister in Wellington. At weekends I live in a small house in my electorate of Mt Albert in Auckland. I fly between Auckland and Wellington, and have a ministerial car for use on official business at either end.

3. What schools did you go to?

I went to Te Pahu Primary School, and Epsom Girls’ Grammer School, where I boarded at the hostel.

4. What did you do before you were a politician?

Before I became an MP in 1981 I lectured in political studies at Auckland University.

5. How did you get first become involved in politics?

I joined the Labour Party as a student when I was at Auckland University. The big issues in the late 1960s and 1970s were foreign policy issues, like New Zealand’s participation in the Vietnam War, New Zealand’s stance on apartheid sport in South Africa and our position on nuclear testing in the Pacific. The Labour Party had strong policies on all of these issues which I supported.

6. What do you do during the weekend?

My weekends are usually spent in my electorate, helping constituents with problems. Since becoming Prime Minister there have been more and more functions and events that I must attend, as well as more work to do from home. What time is left I like to spend relaxing with friends and family.

7. What advice would you give someone who wanted to be a politician?

To become an MP you would generally begin by joining the local branch of the political party you support. Usually you would have had to have been active in the party before putting your name forward for selection as a candidate in a general election. Each political party has its own method of selecting candidates.

8. What sort of qualifications do you need to be a politician?

Parliament is made up of MPs from many different backgrounds. Some left school at 15 while others have high academic qualifications. The main skills you need are an ability to relate well to all people and understand their problems, to work hard, and to not worry about criticism of how you look or act or what position you may take on an issue.

9. What are your interests outside politics?

My interests are cross-country skiing, mountaineering, opera, music, drama, current affairs, reading, walking, and generally keeping fit.

10. Do you have any words of advice for people that would help people achieve their goals?

I am often asked to share my thoughts on what you need to get ahead and make the most of your life. The following tips apply to getting ahead in business, sports, at work and in politics:

	Confidence in own ability - believe in yourself, work on keeping your self esteem high
	Focus and goal setting - be clear about what it is you want to achieve and concentrate on getting there
	Recognise the effort that will be required - its takes hard work, discipline and organisation if you are to achieve your goals
	Develop a sense of humour and tolerance
	Network - support others and make sure you get support
	Mentor and be mentored
	Balance - it is vital to keep a good balance in your life. Make time for family, for friends, for fun.