Chris Carter is a New Zealand politician and a member of Cabinet. He currently serves as Minister of Conservation, Minister of Local Government, and Minister of Ethnic Affairs. He is the member of parliament for the Te Atatu electorate.
He was notable in for being the first openly gay man ever appointed as a New Zealand cabinet minister. He has been a strong advocate of gay rights for some time, and has continued this role since entering parliament. Before entering politics, Carter had served as a teacher and as a poultry farmer.