28 April 2025
Accelerating building projects with self-certification and inspection targets
The Government has agreed on a new scheme allowing trusted builders to sign off their own work and will set a mandatory target to tackle building...
Chris was first elected to Parliament in 2017, as successor to Sir John Key in the then-Helensville seat and re-elected in 2020 and 2023.
Chris is a proud representative for the Kaipara Ki Mahurangi electorate, which includes advocating for constituents on various local issues.
Now the Minister for Building and Construction, Minister for Land Information, Minister for Veterans, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing, Associate Minister of Defence and Associate Minister of Immigration, Chris feels fortunate to be a part of the Christopher Luxon-led coalition government.
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 staff solicitor in Auckland. In late 2015 he established his own firm, leaving Ong & Penk Lawyers behind in late 2017 to enter Parliament.
28 April 2025
The Government has agreed on a new scheme allowing trusted builders to sign off their own work and will set a mandatory target to tackle building...
11 April 2025
The Government will introduce legislation to recognise more former soldiers, sailors and aviators as veterans and will establish a new national day of tribute, commemorated by...
06 April 2025
Significant action by the Government this week will make building in New Zealand easier by unclogging the consenting system, reducing construction costs, and giving tradies the...
05 April 2025
The Coalition Government will go even further than it earlier proposed to make it easier to build granny flats by increasing the maximum size allowed to...