The Honourable Kate Wilkinson is former Member of Parliament (Waimakariri) and Cabinet Minister. Before entering politics Kate worked for 25 years as a solicitor for a Christchurch-based law firm. She was a member of the House of Representatives of New Zealand for the National Party from 2005 until her retirement in 2014. In the 49th and 50th New Zealand Parliaments, Wilkinson served as Associate Minister of Conservation (2009–2010), Minister of Conservation (2010–2013), Minister for Food Safety (until 2013), Associate Minister of Immigration (until 2013), and Minister of Labour (2008–2012). Following her departure from politics, Wilkinson returned to Canterbury to look after her family farming interests. She was appointed Commissioner of the Environment Court in May 2015.
Research interest on Biology