David Shearer is the Member of Parliament for Mt Albert, and the New Zealand Labour Party Spokesperson for Research, Science and Technology, and Associate Spokesperson for the Environment.

My life motivation is the service of others. Most of my career has been dedicated to addressing inequality and fairness here in New Zealand and abroad. My work every day is an expression of these beliefs.

Born and raised in Auckland, I have worked mainly outside New Zealand helping people caught in war and conflict. In the most difficult environments I learned determination, resilience, practical approaches and a broader perspective. Throughout that time I remained passionately a New Zealander in my core values.

My belief in social justice led me naturally to the Labour Party. I had the opportunity to work in Parliament for Phil Goff as his Advisor on Foreign Affairs. I was on the Labour list in 1999. In the 2002 general election I ran for the Labour Party in Whangärei, where I substantially increased the Party vote. I was elected MP for Mt Albert at the by-election on 13 June 2009.

My experience running large-scale relief operations and handling difficult political negotiations has given me considerable managerial and financial skills. I have worked under extreme pressure – sometimes in life-threatening situations – to achieve my goals and keep my promises. I have been particularly successful in motivating and leading large groups of people in a common purpose. And I have spoken out publicly in the media on those issues I have felt strongly about.

I was named “New Zealander of the Year” by the New Zealand Herald in 1993 for my work in Somalia, and awarded an M.B.E. (Member of the British Empire) in the British 1993 New Year Honours List. In 1994, Save the Children awarded me their international “Award for Gallantry” for my service in areas of conflict.

I am married to Anuschka and we have two wonderful children aged 12 and 10.