Clark, Helen Elizabeth (1950–)

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Clark, Helen Elizabeth (1950–)

Prime minister of New Zealand. Born Helen Elizabeth Clark, Feb 26, 1950, in Hamilton, New Zealand.

A modern social democrat, lectured in political studies, Auckland University (1977–81); elected Labour MP for Mt. Albert (1981); guided 4th Labour Government's anti-nuclear policy as chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee; was Minister of Housing (1987–89) and Conservation (1987–89); became Minister of Health (1989) and Minister of Labour (1989); was deputy prime minister (1989–90), then deputy leader of the opposition (1990–93), the 1st woman to hold both posts; elected prime minister of New Zealand (1999). Awarded Peace Prize of the Danish Peace Foundation (1986).