“I decided to go into politics because after 30 years of reporting from the sidelines, it was time to step up to the plate and see if I could make a difference on some of the issues that matter to me. I've always believed saving the world starts in your own backyard and I encourage people to make the most of all the natural resources we have.

I remain convinced that we can grow both our economy and manage our environment better – and that improving the economy need not and must not be at the expense of the environment. We have to be vigilant and face up to our responsibilities and our woeful environmental track record. Down the years we’ve let too many introduced pests decimate our native plants and birds. As an island nation we haven’t treated our ocean with the respect it deserves. We’ve allowed some of our waterways to become badly polluted and I want to be part of a government that puts that right.

I’m also very aware after experiences with my own mothers decline into dementia that there are many vulnerable elderly who don't have the advocates and safeguards they need and they deserve dignity and our respect in their final years.

I intend to work very hard in my Select Committees of Finance and Expenditure and Local Government and Environment. I’ll personally welcome the opportunities to work constructively with politicians from other parties to secure the best outcome for the greater good.

My constituents will always have my first loyalty and I will do my very best to represent their best interests. I will be a strong voice for the North Shore and I am very ambitious for my electorate.” 

During her 30-year career North Shore MP Maggie Barry has been an award winning news and current affairs broadcaster, feature writer, and co-producer and presenter of Maggie’s Garden Show. Maggie has an Order of NZ Merit for services to Broadcasting.

In the late 1990s she was a lay representative from the National Health Committee advising the Minister of Health, and was involved in reports on palliative care, cancer, and maternity services. 

Her extensive community work includes being Patron of Hospice NZ and Alzheimers, governance experience as a Director with Outward Bound, and as Chair of the NZ Book Council (2006). 

Successfully winning the North Shore electoral seat in November 2011, Maggie is the first woman MP to be serving North of the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Below you will find links to columns that Maggie has written prior to becoming a Member of Parliament: