Government – Special Kingsmen

Graham gained School Certificate in 1957 and studied science subjects in 1958 and 1959. University Entrance was achieved in 1958.  While at King’s he became a member of the Caversham Harrier club where he enjoyed running around the countryside on Saturdays with the ‘colts pack’.

He went on to study chemistry and geology at the University of Otago, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1962 and a Master of Science in 1963.

After leaving university, Graham worked as a journalist for four years on the Dunedin Evening Star. In April 1964 he joined the Department of External Affairs. Initially he was in the South Pacific and Antarctic Affairs Division, and involved with administration of New Zealand’s science and exploration programme in the Ross Dependency and the development of Scott Base. He also gained a lifelong love of Antarctica, visiting several times.

He then had a number of overseas postings, including to the Cook Islands in 1965, five years in Ottawa, and three years in Papua New Guinea which gained its independence while he was in the country.

After a secondment to the State Services Commission from 1977 to 1980, he was a senior administrator in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for six years before being appointed the deputy secretary of Foreign Affairs From 1987 to 1990 Inside Foreign Affairs, he left a mark by advocating for an expanded New Zealand role in the Pacific from the 1970s, and by helping to modernise the ministry from the 1980s onwards.

He served as New Zealand’s permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva, In the late 1980s, Graham was New Zealand’s permanent representative to the UN at Geneva. As well as working on the Uruguay round of world trade talks, he was charged with representing New Zealand’s bold new position on nuclear disarmament. That stance put the country at odds with major allies, as well as many other countries, and the task was a fraught one.

He was also High Commissioner to Australia from 1994 to 1999.

Graham was as Secretary of Defence from 1999 until his retirement in 2006. The post also had its challenges; he was in charge when New Zealand scrapped its air force combat wing, and when it first contributed to the US-led war in Afghanistan.

He subsequently served as a board member of Antarctica New Zealand and undertook various consultancy roles for the New Zealand government in the areas of policy and management.

Graham was a keen runner who represented New Zealand in orienteering. He was an orienteering stalwart for decades, including being Vice President of the New Zealand Orienteering Federation in 2007 and 2008.  He was a member of the World Cup 2013 steering group, and was one of the earliest members of Wellington Orienteering Club. His involvement covered all aspects of orienteering and he was an inspiration to many.

Graham had an interest in the arts and was a keen supporter of the New Zealand Portrait Gallery.

In the 2007 New Year Honours, Graham was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for public services

John Barr

In 1966 David gained University Entrance and won the Dunedin French Clubs Prize for Oral French. He played for the 2nd Rugby XV 1967.

David received his tertiary education at the University of Otago where in 1972 he graduated B.A. Hons. He then trained to become a Secondary School Teacher at the Christchurch College of Education. While studying education he was president of the Students’ Association at the college, and National President of the Student Teachers’ Association of New Zealand.

After completing his studies David worked for 24 years teaching at Bayfield High School. He taught German and outdoor education.  He was a tough and respected teacher with many of his past pupils remembering him – either as a brilliant, inspirational teacher, or as someone to be feared. He put serious effort into the job and he expected his students to do the same. While teaching he became involved in the PPTA teachers’ union. He also served as a Dunedin city councillor from 1986 to 1999. He became a tough and respected city councillor. A man people either loved or hated. He was notable for his energy, single-mindedness and drive for left-wing policies and principles.
In 1999, with his impeccable Labour background and connections, he bolted in as MP for Dunedin South. His no-nonsense, drive-it-through style was welcomed in Parliament. He quickly became what shadow education minister Bill English calls “a Mr Fixit, a PM Helen Clark’s favourite”.

In 2002, David became his party’s Senior Whip. He entered Cabinet in 2004, becoming Minister of Fisheries, Minister Responsible for the Law Commission, Associate Minister of Justice, Associate Minister for Education (schools) and Associate Minister for the Environment. He oversaw the drafting of the legislation for civil unions in New Zealand.

In 2005 after unconfirmed allegations from former students about the use of violence in the classroom he was temporarily stood down as a cabinet minister. These accusations were strongly denied and after three weeks he was restored to his portfolios, except for his role as Associate Minister of Education.
In his second term, he was elevated to the Cabinet as Minister of Fisheries, Associate Justice Minister and Associate Environment Minister. Ten months later, he was Associate Minister of Education and Minister Responsible for the Education Review Office.

He resigned from Cabinet in 2007 following Environment Ministry allegations of improper involvement in the sacking of newly-appointed Communications Manager. Despite subsequent investigations by State Services Commissioner Mark Prebble and former State Services Commissioner Don Hunn found that neither the Minister nor his staff acted in any way inappropriately, he remained a backbencher for the remainder of the parliamentary term.

Returning to Dunedin he stood as an independent candidate in the Dunedin City Council in the 2013 local body elections. He was elected on 12 October 2013 a position he has held through following elections.

As a City Councillor David is recognised as approachable, hard-working and effective. He is well known for his involvement in environmental upgrades and initiatives such as the Hot-Salt-Water Pool, redevelopment of the Railway Station, and other significant urban improvements. David was the first chairman of City Forests and Chair of the Otago Youth Adventure Trust and the Spirit of Adventure Trust (Otago). He was also the first chair of the Dunedin Heritage Fund, was instrumental in the successful public campaign to bring our Historic Courthouse back to life, and the recent Council campaign to ensure our hospital remains in the City Centre.