John Banks

Electorate: MP for Epsom

ACT Leader and MP for Epsom Hon John Banks CNZM QSO

Hon John Banks has a record of serving the community for 35 years.  John was first elected to the Birkenhead Borough Council in 1977 and then, in 1980, to the Auckland Regional Authority.  He was elected the 37th Mayor of Auckland in 2001 and the 39th Mayor of Auckland in 2007.

John won the Electorate seat of Whangarei in 1981 and served for six terms as the Member of Parliament.  John is a former front bench Minister and has held the posts of Minister of Police, Local Government, Tourism, Sport and Civil Defence.

In 2011, John joined ACT New Zealand and on 26 November 2011 was elected the Member of Parliament for Epsom.  As part of ACT’s Confidence and Supply Agreement with National, John became a Minister outside of Cabinet in the National led Government.  He holds the portfolios Minister for Regulatory Reform, Minister for Small Business, Associate Minister of Commerce and Associate Minister of Education.  In February 2012 John was unanimously elected as the Party Leader of ACT New Zealand by the ACT Party Board. 

In addition to his political and business interests, including 30 years in the hospitality industry and being a successful partner in the Tony’s Restaurant Group, he has a record of assisting regional and nationwide clubs and charities, including being a Rotarian for twenty years.

John has spent all his life campaigning for animal rights and welfare.

He is also a strong supporter of the charitable work done by voluntary agencies, churches and service clubs.  He is privileged to be a Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary International, and a life member of the Lloyd Morgan Lions Clubs Charitable Trust.  He is an honorary life member of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

John was awarded the Companion of the Queen’s Service Order (QSO) for public service in the Year 2000 New Year’s Honours.  In the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2011 he was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for service to local government.

He is married to Amanda (a pharmacist) with three children.

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John Banks
16 May 2012
7:14pm
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Statement from John Banks on gift basket

John Banks / Press Release

On a personal trip to Hong Kong I received a gift basket at my hotel from Mr Kim Dotcom.  I did not accept the gift and gave it to hotel staff.  I did not give the matter any further thought. 

I have learned through the media today that the gift was supposedly worth more than $500, an amount which requires disclosure under the Register of Pecuniary and Other Specified Interests. 

John Banks
30 Apr 2012
3:30pm
comments

Statement by John Banks re: 2010 Auckland Mayoralty Campaign Return

John Banks / Press Release

John Banks today welcomed the news that there will be a second investigation into his 2010 Auckland Mayoralty Campaign electoral return.

John Banks
26 Apr 2012
5:40pm
comments

Introduction Of Spending Limit A Victory For ACT

John Banks / Press Release

Today’s announcement that the Government will introduce a spending limit into the Public Finance Act is another welcome victory for the ACT Party, ACT Leader John Banks today.

“ACT has long believed in the need for a legislated spending limit to keep politicians’ spending in check.  It is for this reason that we pushed so hard to have it included in our Confidence and Supply Agreement with National,” Mr Banks said.

John Banks
25 Apr 2012
10:00am
comments

ANZAC day speech - Newmarket Business Association Sevice

John Banks / Speech

We remember, O God; the wars we have endured; the killing, the grief, and the courage.  For the evil that was done, we ask your pardon.  For what was great and honourable, we give you glory.

We are gathered here today to honour all our war veterans.

On this day 97 years ago, New Zealand soldiers were in a fight for their lives on the shores of ANZAC Cove.  Members of the Auckland Infantry Battalion were the first to land that fateful day.  They were among the onslaught of three thousand New Zealanders.  By nightfall six hundred were dead.

John Banks
23 Apr 2012
3:28pm
comments

Teacher Surplus No Surprise

John Banks / Press Release / Education

ACT Leader John Banks today expressed sympathy for the hundreds of frustrated graduate teachers unable to find employment, but says this outcome is no surprise.

“This is what happens when Government believes it can ‘pick winners’ better than the market can – it doesn’t work,” Mr Banks said. 

John Banks
16 May 2012
7:14pm
comments

Statement from John Banks on gift basket

John Banks / Press Release

On a personal trip to Hong Kong I received a gift basket at my hotel from Mr Kim Dotcom.  I did not accept the gift and gave it to hotel staff.  I did not give the matter any further thought. 

I have learned through the media today that the gift was supposedly worth more than $500, an amount which requires disclosure under the Register of Pecuniary and Other Specified Interests. 

John Banks
30 Apr 2012
3:30pm
comments

Statement by John Banks re: 2010 Auckland Mayoralty Campaign Return

John Banks / Press Release

John Banks today welcomed the news that there will be a second investigation into his 2010 Auckland Mayoralty Campaign electoral return.

John Banks
26 Apr 2012
5:40pm
comments

Introduction Of Spending Limit A Victory For ACT

John Banks / Press Release

Today’s announcement that the Government will introduce a spending limit into the Public Finance Act is another welcome victory for the ACT Party, ACT Leader John Banks today.

“ACT has long believed in the need for a legislated spending limit to keep politicians’ spending in check.  It is for this reason that we pushed so hard to have it included in our Confidence and Supply Agreement with National,” Mr Banks said.

John Banks
25 Apr 2012
10:00am
comments

ANZAC day speech - Newmarket Business Association Sevice

John Banks / Speech

We remember, O God; the wars we have endured; the killing, the grief, and the courage.  For the evil that was done, we ask your pardon.  For what was great and honourable, we give you glory.

We are gathered here today to honour all our war veterans.

On this day 97 years ago, New Zealand soldiers were in a fight for their lives on the shores of ANZAC Cove.  Members of the Auckland Infantry Battalion were the first to land that fateful day.  They were among the onslaught of three thousand New Zealanders.  By nightfall six hundred were dead.

John Banks
23 Apr 2012
3:28pm
comments

Teacher Surplus No Surprise

John Banks / Press Release / Education

ACT Leader John Banks today expressed sympathy for the hundreds of frustrated graduate teachers unable to find employment, but says this outcome is no surprise.

“This is what happens when Government believes it can ‘pick winners’ better than the market can – it doesn’t work,” Mr Banks said.