This article is about the current Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives. For the man who served in United States Congress from 1827 to 1832, see Jonathan Hunt (United States).
The Right Honourable Jonathan Hunt (born December 2, 1938) is the current Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives. He is a member of the governing Labour Party, and is the longest serving MP currently in Parliament.
Hunt was born in Lower Hutt, but grew up in Palmerston North and Auckland. After studying at Auckland Grammar School, he enrolled at Auckland University, where he gained a BA (Hons) degree. After graduating, Hunt became a high school teacher and then a university tutor.
In 1966, Hunt was elected to Parliament in Auckland's New Lynn electorate. He remained MP for New Lynn until 1996, when became a list MP. At various times, he served as Minister of Telecommunications and Broadcasting, Minister of Tourism, Minister of Housing, and Postmaster General. He is the longest serving member of Parliament, earning him the unofficial title of "father of the House". In 1989, Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer made Hunt a member of the Privy Council in recognition of his long service.
After first serving as Deputy Speaker during the fourth Labour government, he was elected Speaker when the fifth Labour government came to power in 1999. He retained his position in 2002, although speculation existed that he would take a post as High Commissioner to London half way throughh the term. Hunt has since indicated that he will finish his second term as Speaker, although some believe that he will be appointed High Commissioner at its conclusion.