# MP Profile: Hon David Bennett — National Party (FORMER MP) **File created:** 9 June 2026 **Status:** FORMER MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT — Retired at 2023 general election. NOT currently serving in the 54th Parliament. **Electorate:** Hamilton East (2005–2020); List MP (2020–2023) **Party:** New Zealand National Party **MP tenure:** 17 September 2005 – 14 October 2023 (6 Parliaments: 48th–53rd) **Parliament.nz (archived):** https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/former-members-of-parliament/bennett-david/ --- ## Current Roles David Bennett is **no longer a Member of Parliament.** He retired at the 2023 general election and has no current parliamentary role. **Post-Parliament appointments:** | Role | Organisation | Appointed by | Period | Notes | | ------------ | -------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------- | | Deputy Chair | Callaghan Innovation Board | Judith Collins (Minister of Science, Innovation & Technology) | 8 Apr 2024 – 30 Jun 2025 | Removed 30 Jun 2025 as part of board changes; annual pay $28,000 | | Board member | TAB New Zealand | Winston Peters (Racing Minister) | Aug 2024 – present | Relevant from Racing Minister experience | _Sources: NZ Gazette 2024-go1520, 2025-go4842; NZ Herald, 31 Oct 2024; accessed 9 Jun 2026_ ## Previous Ministerial Roles (2016–2017) | Portfolio | Start | End | | --------------------------------- | ----------- | ----------- | | Minister for Food Safety | 20 Dec 2016 | 26 Oct 2017 | | Minister of Veterans' Affairs | 20 Dec 2016 | 26 Oct 2017 | | Minister of Racing | 2017 | 26 Oct 2017 | | Associate Minister of Transport | 2017 | 26 Oct 2017 | | Associate Minister of Immigration | 2016 | 2017 | _Sources: Wikipedia; Parliament.nz archive; accessed 9 Jun 2026_ ## Previous Committee Roles (during tenure) | Committee | Role | Period | | ---------------------------------- | ----------- | ------------------ | | Finance and Expenditure | Chairperson | 22 Oct 2014 – 2017 | | Transport and Industrial Relations | Chairperson | 2011–2014 | | Government Administration | Member | 8 Feb 2017 | | Transport and Industrial Relations | Member | 2005–2011 | _Sources: Parliament.nz former members page; Wikipedia; accessed 9 Jun 2026_ ## Previous Opposition Spokesperson Roles | Portfolio | Party Leader Period | | --------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Agriculture | Under Judith Collins (2020–2021) and Christopher Luxon (2021–2023) | | Economic and Regional Development | Under Christopher Luxon | | Food Safety and Racing | Under Bill English, Simon Bridges | | Corrections and Land Information | Under Simon Bridges | | Transport | Under various leaders | _Sources: Wikipedia; accessed 9 Jun 2026_ --- ## Relevance Score: 🔴 HIGH — BUT HISTORICAL **Rationale:** David Bennett is a former MP with no current parliamentary role. This profile is included because the master tracker listed him as pending. Key historical relevance: - **Chair of Finance and Expenditure Committee** — central to Budget scrutiny including NZ Super, health funding, and aged care appropriations. - **Minister for Veterans' Affairs** — directly responsible for veterans' pensions, support services, and aged care for veterans (2016–2017). - **Minister for Food Safety** — relevant to food standards in aged-care settings and retirement villages. - **Hamilton East electorate** — Waikato region has a rapidly ageing population; the over-65 population in Waikato was projected to double from ~40,000 to ~80,000 within 15 years (as noted at the 2011 Waikato Hospital older persons' facility announcement). - **Agriculture spokesperson** — relevant to rural ageing access issues (healthcare, transport, isolation) for older farmers and rural seniors. **However:** Bennett retired in 2023 and has no current influence on policy. His relevance to the 54th Parliament (2023–2026) is nil. --- ## Public Background ### Professional Career | Period | Role | Details | | ------------ | ---------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Pre-2005 | Accountant, KPMG Auckland | Chartered accountant | | 1995–present | Dairy farmer | Owns two dairy farms near Te Awamutu; partner in a third; also drystock, kiwifruit properties | | 2001–2002 | President, Young Farmers | Cited as leadership/turnaround experience | | 2005–2023 | MP for Hamilton East / List MP | 18 years in Parliament | | 2024–2025 | Deputy Chair, Callaghan Innovation Board | Crown entity governing R&D grants | | 2024–present | Board member, TAB NZ | Gaming and racing oversight | **Education:** St John's College, Hamilton; Victoria University of Wellington (LLB, BCA); Massey University (certificate in science — agriculture/horticulture). ### Policy Experience - **Finance & budget scrutiny:** As Chair of Finance and Expenditure Committee (2014–2017), oversaw examination of government budgets, tax policy, and public finance — including health and social spending. - **Veterans' Affairs:** As Minister (2016–2017), responsible for Veterans' Affairs portfolio including pensions, rehabilitation, and support services for older veterans. - **Food Safety:** Oversaw food safety regulation including aged-care facility food standards. - **Agriculture & rural:** Spokesperson for Agriculture; familiar with rural health access issues, rural ageing, and farm succession. _Sources: Wikipedia; Parliament.nz; NZ Herald, 31 Oct 2024; accessed 9 Jun 2026_ --- ## Public Positions Relevant to Older New Zealanders Bennett's public record on seniors-specific issues is **limited**. As an electorate MP and minister, his focus was primarily on infrastructure (Waikato Expressway), agriculture, racing, and local economic development. Below are the documented intersections with seniors-relevant issues. | Issue | Position | Source | Date | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------- | | **Older persons health facility, Waikato Hospital** | Attended announcement of $40m facility dedicated to older patients and rehabilitation — first of its kind in NZ. Present as local MP. | Waikato Independent (photo caption: "MP for Hamilton East David Bennett and Health Minister Tony Ryall consult their notes") | May 2011 | | **Free dental care petition** | Presented a 10,000-signature petition to Parliament calling for free dental care for under-20s and low-income earners. Said: "Ms Russell knew what she was talking about and I hope the government will take the petition seriously." Oral health is a significant issue for older low-income NZers. | RNZ, "Free dental care petition with 10,000 signatures heads to Parliament" | 2019 | | **COVID-19: Waikato Hospital masks** | Raised concerns from health professionals at Waikato Hospital about lack of compulsory masks — relevant to protection of older and vulnerable hospital patients. | Stuff, "Coronavirus: Waikato Hospital doctor says compulsory masks vital" | 2020 | | **Waikato Expressway advocacy** | Long-term advocate for the Waikato Expressway. Better transport infrastructure improves rural older people's access to healthcare and social connection. | National Party retirement announcement | 26 Jul 2022 | | **Racing industry and gambling** | As Racing Minister, introduced Racing Amendment Bill (2017) to modernise betting regulation. Gambling harm disproportionately affects older New Zealanders. The bill was terminated at select committee. | Beehive.govt.nz; NZ Herald | 2017 | | **Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation** | Voted in favour at second and third readings (2022) — relevant to protection of older LGBTQ+ people in aged care. | Wikipedia (recorded votes) | 2022 | | **Abortion Legislation Act** | Voted for at all stages (2019–2020) — relevant to older women's reproductive health rights. | Wikipedia (recorded votes) | 2019–2020 | | **Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill** | Voted **against** (2009) — relevant to older people seeking palliative care alternatives. | Wikipedia (recorded votes) | 2009 | | **Contraception, Sterilisation, and Abortion (Safe Areas) Amendment Bill** | Supported at second and third readings (2022) — relevant to access to reproductive healthcare. | Wikipedia (recorded votes) | 2022 | **Summary:** No clear public position found on NZ Super, retirement villages, dementia care, elder abuse, disability support, carers, or other core seniors-policy areas. His contributions to seniors-relevant issues were largely incidental to his local MP role (health facility openings, petitions) rather than originating from specific policy positions. --- ## Parliamentary Activity ### Bills Sponsored / Associated With | Bill | Role | Status | Relevance | | ---------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Racing Amendment Bill (2017) | As Minister introducing | Terminated at select committee after 2017 election change | Gambling harm; racing industry affects older bettors | | Fuel Industry Amendment Bill | Spoke at second reading (Agriculture spokesperson) | Passed | Opposed Commerce Commission powers; "need a bullet" comment controversy | _Sources: RNZ, "National MP apologises for saying Commerce Commission 'need a bullet'"; accessed 9 Jun 2026_ ### Select Committee Contributions - **Finance and Expenditure Committee (Chair, 2014–2017):** Led scrutiny of Budgets including health, social development, and NZ Super appropriations. - **Transport and Industrial Relations Committee (Chair, 2011–2014):** Oversaw transport safety and accessibility — relevant to older road users and accessible transport. ### Petitions Presented - **Free dental care petition** (10,000 signatures) — tabled in Parliament, referred to Health Committee (2019). ### Notable Controversies | Incident | Description | Source | | ------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------- | | "Need a bullet" remark (Jun 2023) | Said Commerce Commission "need a bullet" and were "one of the evils" during Fuel Industry Amendment Bill debate. Apologised. | RNZ, 2023 | | Panic buying encouragement (Mar 2020) | Encouraged panic buying during COVID-19; criticised as irresponsible. | RNZ; 1News, Mar 2020 | --- ## Declared Interests (from Register of Pecuniary Interests) **Latest available:** 30 January 2023 (final declaration as MP) ### Companies & Directorships | Entity | Interest | Activity | | --------------------------------- | -------------------- | --------------------------- | | Agincourt Farms Limited | Controlling interest | Dairy farming | | Pirongia Limited (50%) | Shareholder | Dairy and kiwifruit farming | | Arapuni Investments Limited (50%) | Shareholder | Dairy farming | | Horizon Partners Limited | Director | — | ### Trusts - **D A Bennett Family Trust** — Trustee and beneficiary ### Real Property | Type | Location | | --------------------- | ---------- | | Drystock property | Te Awamutu | | Residential property | Hamilton | | Kiwifruit blocks (x2) | Te Awamutu | | Dairy farms (x4) | Te Awamutu | ### Retirement Schemes - SF Superannuation Scheme - Booster KiwiSaver ### Relevance to Seniors Sector - **Extensive farming/property portfolio** — relevant to rural land use, farm succession, and retirement planning for older farmers. - **No declared interests** in health, aged care, retirement village, or disability service providers. - **No directorships** in healthcare or social services entities. _Source: WhereTheyStand.nz (from Register of Pecuniary Interests, 30 Jan 2023); accessed 9 Jun 2026_ --- ## Business-Decision Implications **As a former MP:** David Bennett has **no current policymaking influence**. Decisions about his relevance should consider: - **Low current influence** — retired from Parliament, removed from Callaghan Innovation Board (Jun 2025). - **Historical network** — 18 years in National Party caucus; connections remain with Luxon, Collins, and senior National figures. - **Sector positioning** — Board role at TAB NZ (racing/gaming) continues. Could potentially advise on gaming regulation affecting older NZers or rural community funding via racing industry. - **Farming interests** — His agricultural background gives him standing in rural communities where ageing demographics are acute. --- ## Campaign Relevance - **Does not hold elected office.** Cannot be lobbied as a current MP. - **No campaign to target** in the 2026 election — he is not standing. - **Historical record only:** His voting record on medicinal cannabis, conversion practices, and abortion may be relevant context for groups tracking party consistency on seniors' rights issues. **Recommendation:** Remove from active MP tracking. Consider archiving this profile under a "Former MPs" section if historical reference is needed. --- ## Monitoring Terms If retained for monitoring (historical interest only): - `David Bennett` (general) - `Bennett Callaghan Innovation` (board developments) - `Bennett TAB NZ` (gaming regulation affecting seniors) - `Bennett racing industry` (gambling harm for seniors) - No active parliamentary monitoring required. --- ## Source List | # | Source | URL | Date Accessed | | --- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------- | | 1 | Wikipedia — David Bennett (New Zealand politician) | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Bennett_(New_Zealand_politician) | 9 Jun 2026 | | 2 | Parliament.nz — Former Members: Bennett, David | https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/former-members-of-parliament/bennett-david/ | 9 Jun 2026 | | 3 | National Party — Bennett to retire at next election | https://www.national.org.nz/news/bennett-to-retire-at-the-next-election | 9 Jun 2026 | | 4 | WhereTheyStand — David Bennett interests | https://wheretheystand.nz/people/david-bennett/interests | 9 Jun 2026 | | 5 | Waikato Independent — Health Minister Tony Ryall opens Waikato Hospital facility for older patients (2011) | https://waikatoindependent.co.nz/2011/05/health-minister-tony-ryall-opens-waikato-hospital-facility-older-patients/1531/ | 9 Jun 2026 | | 6 | RNZ — Free dental care petition with 10,000 signatures heads to Parliament (2019) | https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/391218/free-dental-care-petition-with-10-000-signatures-heads-to-parliament | 9 Jun 2026 | | 7 | RNZ — National MP apologises for saying Commerce Commission 'need a bullet' (2023) | https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/491158/national-mp-apologises-for-saying-commerce-commission-need-a-bullet | 9 Jun 2026 | | 8 | Stuff — Dairy farm-owning MP denies he stands to profit if freshwater regulations axed (2020) | https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/122579998/dairy-farmowning-mp-denies-he-stands-to-profit-if-freshwater-regulations-axed | 9 Jun 2026 | | 9 | NZ Herald — Hand-picked by Judith Collins: The former National minister and the governance job he had no 'significant' experience for (2024) | https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/hand-picked-by-judith-collins-the-former-national-minister-and-the-governance-job-he-had-no-significant-experience-for/F3KU7R3BEZGI7O6TY4UTMIX6L4/ | 9 Jun 2026 | | 10 | NZ Gazette — Appointment to Callaghan Innovation Board (2024-go1520) | https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2024-go1520 | 9 Jun 2026 | | 11 | NZ Gazette — Removal of Members of Callaghan Innovation Board (2025-go4842) | https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2025-go4842 | 9 Jun 2026 | | 12 | RNZ — National MPs Ian McKelvie, David Bennett to stand down at 2023 election (2022) | https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/471619/national-mps-ian-mckelvie-david-bennett-to-stand-down-at-2023-election | 9 Jun 2026 | | 13 | RNZ — Coronavirus: National MP criticised for encouraging panic buying (2020) | https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/411048/coronavirus-national-mp-criticised-for-encouraging-panic-buying | 9 Jun 2026 | | 14 | Beehive.govt.nz — Racing Amendment Bill modernising betting (2017) | https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/racing-amendment-bill-modernising-betting | 9 Jun 2026 | | 15 | Stuff — Coronavirus: Waikato Hospital doctor says compulsory masks vital (2020) | https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/120950545/coronavirus-waikato-hospital-doctor-says-compulsory-masks-vital-to-stopping-covid19 | 9 Jun 2026 | | 16 | Newsroom — Hamilton: City of the future election winner (2020) | https://newsroom.co.nz/2020/10/14/hamilton-city-of-the-future-election-winner/ | 9 Jun 2026 | --- **Note:** David Bennett is a former MP who retired at the 2023 general election. His tracker entry in `00_MP_MASTER_TRACKER.md` may need to be updated to reflect his former-MP status rather than active MP.