Book Jenny Shipley

Dame Jenny Shipley is a New Zealand former politician who made history as the country's first female prime minister, serving as its 36th head of government from 1997 to 1999. Born in Gore, Southland, and raised in rural Canterbury, she trained at the Christchurch College of Education and worked as a schoolteacher while active in community organizations. She entered Parliament in 1987 representing Ashburton, a seat later called Rakaia. After National regained power in 1990, she entered the Cabinet and held major portfolios, including Social Welfare, Women's Affairs, Health and Transport. In December 1997 she won the backing of her colleagues to lead the National Party, becoming its first woman leader and taking office as prime minister. After the 1999 election she continued as Leader of the Opposition until 2001. She was appointed to the Privy Council in 1998 and named a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2009. Since leaving politics she has pursued business and charitable work and belongs to the Council of Women World Leaders. Shipley speaks on leadership, governance and breaking barriers.