Nick was born and educated in North Canterbury and first stood for public office at the age of 18 for the Rangiora District Council while still at High School. Nick attended Canterbury University where he completed a Civil Engineering degree followed by a PhD in Landslides.
Having joined the National Party as a teenager Nick has held governing positions through all levels of the organisation and has been involved in several campaigns.
Nick entered parliament in 1990 and was the first National MP in Tasman since 1932, then following the MMP reforms in 1996, was elected the first Nelson National MP since 1954. He continues to hold the seat with a comfortable majority. A Minister in the previous National Government he has held the portfolios of Education, Corrections, Conservation, Assoc Minister of Immigration, Treaty Negotiations and Social Welfare.
Nick is deeply involved in his local Nelson community, and particularly enjoys constituent work. Nick is married to Linley, and is the proud father of Hazel and Logan, and stepfather of Samantha and Alexander.
