Karen Chhour is a strong advocate for New Zealand’s most vulnerable children, driven by her own lived experience with the state care system. Born in Australia and of Ngāpuhi descent, Karen moved to New Zealand as a baby, living first with her grandparents in Kaeo before moving to Auckland’s North Shore at age five. Growing up, she faced significant challenges and time in foster care, which shaped her determination to improve outcomes for children in similar situations.

Karen has lived on Auckland’s North Shore for over 30 years, where she and her husband Menglin, whom she first met as a teenager, have raised four children. Before entering Parliament, Karen ran her own business in the New Zealand-made clothing industry and worked in property management.

Elected to Parliament as an ACT Party Member of Parliament in 2020, Karen now serves as Minister for Children and Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence. Her mission is to reform Oranga Tamariki, reduce child poverty, and ensure the voices of children and families are heard and respected.

Whether at home with her family or working to change the system, Karen brings a practical, compassionate, and unshakable commitment to giving every child in New Zealand a fair chance.