Spurred by a love for politics, culture and the arts

BORN to a primary school teacher mother and farmer father in Te Pahu, in NZ’s Waikato region, Clark grew up in a politically-interested family. As a teenager, she became involved in protests against the Vietnam War, and against foreign military bases in her home country.

Her political leanings grew even more firmly entrenched when she majored in politics at the University of Auckland.

“I got involved in politics because I wanted to make a difference, to be actively involved.”

“There are many ways to do that but politics enabled me to be a decision-maker, which is a wonderful thing.”

Clark lectured in political studies at her alma mater, then was elected to Parliament in 1981, the same year she married sociologist Peter Davis, director of the Social Statistics Research Group and a professor of Sociology at the University of Auckland. In 2008, she was re-elected in her constituency of Auckland for the 10th time.

She has always been a strong advocate for sustainability and climate change, and maintained a keen and active interest in foreign affairs and relations throughout her career.

Today, Clark is based in New York, because of her position as UNDP administrator.

“I’ve been balancing my family and public life for a very long time. When I was in New Zealand politics, my home and constituency were in Auckland, and I went to the capital three or four days a week, at least. So that’s always been our life. I would try to be home on weekends when I was a domestic politician, and now my husband comes to New York quite often.

“I also go back to New Zealand often. My 94-year-old father, sisters and their families are all there.”

As a bit of a culture vulture though, she has found many lures to make her love New York.

“My interest in arts and culture probably goes back to many, many years of piano tuition as a child. And when I was Prime Minister, I was also Minister of Arts and Culture. For me, being in New York, with the opera and the theatre – it’s heaven! I’m also a big reader, although these days I’m more likely to be reading current affairs than a novel,” she said.

Growing up in the only country director Peter Jackson thought could stand in for Middle-earth, Clark also has a deep-seated love of the outdoors.

“I love hiking, especially in New Zealand. And I have a passion for cross-country skiing, which the northeast of the US is known for.”