Gerry Brownlee is:

• Minister for Economic Development
• Minster of Energy and Resources
• Leader of the House
• Associate Minister for the Rugby World Cup

Gerry was born and educated in Christchurch and has lived in the Ilam electorate all his life.

After leaving St Bede's College, Gerry began his career in the family timber business. He trained to be a carpenter, gained several trade qualifications and operated his own business.

In 1980 Gerry trained as a secondary school teacher and, taught at Ellesmere College for five years. He was appointed Head of the Technical Department at St Bede's College, where he taught until 1995.

In 1993 Gerry was the National Party Candidate for Sydenham. In 1996 he was selected as the Candidate for Ilam and campaigned full time, winning the constituency of Ilam with a majority of 10,090. He has held the seat comfortably since then.

Gerry has always been involved in the local community and served on the Riccarton Bush Trust. He is a strong advocate for sport. He enjoys cooking, music and spending time with his wife Michelle and his son and two daughters.