Jack Elder
West Auckland (1984–93)
Henderson (1993–96)
List (1996–99)
3 July 1949
New Zealand
Labour (1966–1996)
New Zealand First (1996–1998)
Mauri Pacific (1998–1999)
Claire Girling-Butcher (died 13 November 1999)
Dr Edward Elder
Early life[edit]
Jack Elder was born and raised in West Auckland, attending New Lynn Primary, Avondale Intermediate and Kelston Boys High School. At the latter, he was head boy and captain of the rugby first fifteen.[1] Elder studied politics and history at the University of Auckland, graduating with a B.A in both History and Political Studies as well as a M.A in Political Studies. Upon graduation, he became a teacher at schools such as Henderson High School from 1974 to 1977 and Rutherford College from 1979 to 1981.[2]
Early political career[edit]
Alongside future prime minister Helen Clark and future Minister of Foreign Affairs Phil Goff, Elder was a member of Princes Street Labour. He became active in local politics, being a member of the New Lynn Borough Council from 1976 to 1983, including as deputy mayor from 1980.[2]
Elder twice unsuccessfully sought the Labour Party nomination in safe electorates for the party. In 1975, he unsuccessfully sought the Labour Party candidacy for the Onehunga electorate alongside 26 other aspirants following the retirement of Hugh Watt, but lost to Frank Rogers.[3] In 1980, he put his name forward to replace long serving MP Warren Freer in the safe Labour seat of Mount Albert, but missed out on the nomination to Helen Clark.[4][5] He did receive the nomination to stand in Helensville in the 1978 election and the 1981 election, but lost on both occasions.
Later life[edit]
Elder spent time off from working, before returning to teaching two years after leaving Parliament.[16]