David Carter's the prototypical National MP, coming from a strong farming and business background.
Background
David was born in Christchurch on April 3, 1952. He went to St Bede's College, and earned a bachelor of agricultural science at Lincoln University.
In the mid 1970s he established the first commercial cattle-embryo transplant company in New Zealand and was instrumental in seeing cattle breeds such as Simmental, Charolais and Limousin established in both New Zealand and Australia.
David has farmed sheep and cattle in the Canterbury region for over 30 years. In addition to this, he lists hotelier, property developer and businessman among his careers.
Career in politics:
David first got involved with the National Party in 1975, but it wasn't until 1994 that he entered Parliament, after picking up the Selwyn seat vacated by notorious former Finance Minister, Ruth Richardson. It was close, however – he pipped the Alliance's John Wright by only 2 percent, after the left-wing vote was split between them and Labour.
In 1998 he become a minister outside Cabinet, his responsibilities including Minister for Senior Citizens, Associate Minister for Food Fibre, Biosecurity and Border Control, Associate Minister for Revenue, and Associate Minister for Education.
After National's victory in 2008, he took on agriculture, biosecurity and forestry, and is currently the Acting Minister for Economic Development.
He lost his Banks Peninsula seat to Labour's Ruth Dyson in 1999, and since then has been a list MP. He wanted to stand for the safe National seat of Selwyn in 2008, but instead settled for his high list placing, leaving the seat for Amy Adams to take over.
David says his focus for the next three years will be on helping Christchurch recover from the devastating earthquakes.
Notable actions:
Introduced the Animal Welfare (Pigs) Code of Welfare 2010, which legislated the phasing out of sow crates. The banning of the small, cramped porcine housing had been long opposed by environmental activists, and the law change was applauded by the Greens' Sue Kedgley, who said: "Getting sows out of their cages will be the biggest improvement in animal welfare in recent times."
What you might not know:
According to an investigation by the New Zealand Herald, David owns farms and property valued at over $2.1 million (2005).
Heroes and idols:
Sir Brian Lochore, Sir Peter Blake, Margaret Thatcher
Quote:
"I got into politics because I have a real interest and belief in the future of our country. New Zealand should be the place my children will always want to call home."
Gaffes and blunders:
Said the controversial Crafar farms sale to Natural Dairy was "unlikely to go through", without realising contracts had already been signed. He was warned by Prime Minister John Key to be quiet on the sale while it was before the Overseas Investment Office.
In a sentence:
David Carter says he enjoys boating, fishing, steak and the All Blacks, which perhaps makes him the perfect candidate for National's South Island voters – not to mention his farming background.