New Opposition Spokesperson for Veteran Affairs

Well, at last, we have two ex-servicemen in the important Veterans Affairs Portfolio. Ron Mark as the Minister and Chris Penk as the Opposition Spokesperson on Veterans Affairs issues. Now after Minsters Barry and Tolley we might now have someone who has the knowledge and who can ask the hard questions!

Chris lives at the Waitakere end of the Helensville electorate with his wife, small child and dog.

First elected to Parliament in 2017, as successor to Sir John Key in that seat, Chris is enjoying being part of National’s strong caucus that’s holding the government to account.  His key focus is providing great representation for Helensville, which includes advocating for constituents and lobbying Ministers on various local issues.

After completing his secondary education at Kelston Boys High School, Chris studied at Auckland University, gaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1999 and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree in 2009.

He had joined the Royal New Zealand Navy in 2000, which included serving as an officer of the watch on the HMNZS Te Kaha. He also worked at Government House as aide-de-camp to the Governor-General in 2003. Later, Chris joined the Australian Defence Force and fulfilled his dream of serving in submarines, being appointed navigating officer of HMAS Sheean in 2006, and finally was stationed in the Northern Arabian Gulf in late 2007.

Chris returned to New Zealand in 2008 where he completed his legal training. This culminated in his admission to the bar in 2010 and working as a staff solicitor in Auckland. In late 2015 he established his own firm, leaving Ong & Penk Lawyers behind in late 2017 to enter Parliament.