Graham Kelly (politician)


Graham Desmond Kelly is a former New Zealand politician.

Member of Parliament

Kelly was born in Wellington on 9 May 1941. As a member of the Labour Party, he served as MP for Porirua from the 1987 election until the 1996 election, when he became MP for the new seat of Mana. In the 2002 election, he did not stand as an electorate candidate, standing as a list MP and allowing Luamanuvao Winnie Laban to contest Mana. On 29 July 2003, however, he left Parliament in order to take up a position as High Commissioner to Canada. His list seat was taken by the next candidate on Labour's 2002 party list, Moana Mackey.

High Commissioner to Canada

In 2005, Kelly made remarks to a Canadian governmental panel which were regarded by some in New Zealand as offensive to Māori and various immigrant communities. Calls were made for his resignation, and the government criticised Kelly for his comments, for which he apologised.

Later career

Kelly is currently the president of the Association of Former Members of Parliament.

Honours

In the 2004 Queen's Birthday Honours, Kelly was appointed a Companion of the Queen's Service Order for public services.