Always the bridesmaid
NAME: Sue Kedgley
AGE: 63
OCCUPATION: Member of Parliament
PLACE I CALL HOME: Wellington
MY PASSIONS ARE: Animal welfare, healthy food, gardening.
MY HERO IS: The Dalai Lama
What were your early influences that sparked your interest in politics? Attending Victoria University and getting onto the student executive politicised me. It was a hotbed of student activism in the late sixties. Another radicalising influence was my involvement in the women’s liberation movement in the early seventies.
What was your first political action? An anti-Vietnam protest march on parliament, when American Vice President Lyndon Johnson visited New Zealand. We chanted in unison, ‘hey, hey LBJ, how many babies did you kill today?’
You worked for eight years in the United Nations Secretariat in New York. What did you do there and how did it prepare you for New Zealand politics? I worked in the Women’s Secretariat of the UN, and then in organising international conferences. It gave me a global perspective and an interest in international politics. And I was actively involved in women’s issues and on the UN Union throughout my time there.
What were the highlights of your time as a Wellington City Councillor? I helped save Chaffers (now Waitangi) Park, various heritage buildings such as the Odlins and Prudential buildings, and helped stop high rise development all over our waterfront. When I was chair of the transport committee, I initiated a study into light rail, so it’s good to see that study being updated. And I loved representing Wellingtonians, and promoting their interests and concerns.
What have been your proudest political moments? Having my Flexible Working Hours Bill become law, helping get rid of sow crates, and helping save the Overlander, Wellington’s trolley buses, and the Johnsonville line.
What makes a good MP? There’s no particular prescription, but it helps to be passionate about issues, a good campaigner, have leadership skills and a real interest in people.
You have successfully campaigned for food safety, what do you like to eat? Anything fresh, organic, free range, and especially anything that is home grown.
What is the most important green issue for Wellington? Creating a sustainable, creative, liveable city which people want to live and work in, and visit.
Are you weary of politics and what will you do after Parliament? No. I love politics, but I am ready for a break and it’s time to hand the torch to the next generation.
Please finish these sentences:
When I get the time I like to read … biographies
My favourite activity on a Saturday morning is … sleeping in, going out to coffee with my family, reading the papers and gardening.
My next project is … learning to chill out after twelve years of fairly frenetic activity, and writing a few books.










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