Judith Tizard was appointed Minister Responsible for the National Library in November 2005. The portfolio complements her other portfolios; as Minister responsible for Archives New Zealand, Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage and also Associate Minister for Commerce, the latter includes responsibility for intellectual property issues. She is also the Minister for Auckland Issues and Associate Minister of Transport.
Judith is passionate about the power of information and the need to make as much information as possible available to as many New Zealanders as possible.
'Information is a powerful tool for all New Zealanders. The work of the National Library is important and provides opportunities for all New Zealanders – whether they are studying, researching their family heritage or for research or business purposes.'
'An informed public is the hallmark of every thriving democracy. It also contributes to our sense of national identity and to growing and transforming our economy.'
The Minister's political career began with her election to the Auckland Electric Power Board in 1977 and the Auckland Regional Council in 1988. She was elected MP for Panmure (Auckland) in 1990 and has held the Auckland Central seat since 1996.
For further information about the Minister, visit her page on the Beehive website.
