Jill Pettis

Marjorie Jill Pettis (born 22 September 1952) is a New Zealand politician, and a member of the Labour Party.

Jill Pettis
Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Whanganui
In office 1993–2005
Preceded by	Cam Campion
Succeeded by	Chester Borrows
Personal details
Born	(1952-09-22) 22 September 1952 (age 72)
Political party	Labour (1968–present)
Children	2
Profession	Nurse

Biography

Early life

Pettis was born on 22 September 1952.^[1] Before entering politics, she worked as a nurse and as a finance officer at a bank. Pettis is of Māori descent.^[2]

Political career

New Zealand Parliament

Years	Term	Electorate	List	Party
1993–1996	44th	Wanganui			Labour
1996–1999	45th	Whanganui	14		Labour
1999–2002	46th	Whanganui	24		Labour
2002–2005	47th	Whanganui	27		Labour
2005–2008	48th	List	24		Labour

Pettis became a member of the Labour Party in 1968.^[1]

Pettis became MP for Wanganui in the 1993 election, but in 2005 she narrowly lost the seat to National's Chester Borrows. She was returned to Parliament as a list MP, at which point she stepped down as the Labour Party's Senior Whip to focus on winning back the Whanganui seat.^[3]

She also served as Assistant Speaker of the House.^[1]

She retired from politics prior to the 2008 general election.^[1]

Personal life

Pettis is married with two children.^[1]