Information AboutKerry Burke |
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Burke was born in Christchurch , New Zealand . In 1960 , he began three years of study at the University Of Canterbury , after which he studied for a year at the Christchurch College Of Education . He taught for a number of years in Rangiora and in Greymouth . Burke was first elected to Parliament as the Labour MP for Rangiora in the 1972 Elections . In the 1975 Elections , however, he lost his seat, and remained outside Parliament for three years. In the 1978 Elections , Burke was elected as the Labour MP for the West Coast electorate. When Labour won the 1984 Elections , Burke became Minister of Immigration and Minister of Employment. He held these roles until the 1987 Elections , when he was chosen to replace the outgoing Gerard Wall as Speaker. He served in this role for three years, losing the Speakership when Labour lost the 1990 Elections . He retired from Parliament at the following election. At 45 he the second youngest Speaker in the history of the New Zealand Parliament . He was Knighted in 1989 . He is currently chairperson of the Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury). |
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