Shipley, Jenny (1952-…), was the first woman to serve as prime minister of New Zealand. She held the office from 1997 to 1999. Shipley also was the first woman to lead the New Zealand National Party. The National Party is a conservative political party that has traditionally favored free enterprise. Free enterprise is a system that allows people to carry out most economic activities free from government control. During her administration, Shipley supported reducing government programs, selling government-owned businesses to private owners, and cutting taxes.
Early life and family
Shipley was born on Feb. 4, 1952, in Gore, in New Zealand’s South Island. Her name at birth was Jennifer Mary Robson. Her parents were Leonard Robson, a Presbyterian minister, and his wife, Adele. Jenny was the second of four daughters. She attended Marlborough Girls’ College, a highly regarded high school for girls, and then Christchurch Teachers’ College (now part of the University of Canterbury). She received a teaching diploma in 1971 and began working as an elementary school teacher. 
Jenny married Burton Shipley (1952-…), a New Zealand farmer, on Apr. 28, 1973. Jenny continued to teach for several years. In addition, Jenny and Burton formed a farming partnership. During the late 1970’s, the couple had two children, Anna and Ben. In the 1990’s, Burton began a career in banking.
Political career
Jenny Shipley joined the National Party in 1975. In August 1987, she ran for and won the seat of Ashburton (which later became part of Rakaia) in the New Zealand House of Representatives, also called the Parliament.
Cabinet positions.
During the 1990’s, under the National Party prime ministership of Jim Bolger, Shipley held several Cabinet positions. She served as minister of social welfare from 1990 to 1993 and as minister of health from 1993 to 1996. In these positions, she pushed for significant policy reforms and sought to reduce government spending. However, she received criticism for her efforts to reduce welfare benefits and cut public health care services. Shipley also served as minister of women’s affairs, state services, transport, state-owned enterprises, broadcasting, and accident rehabilitation and compensation.
Prime minister.
Bolger’s popularity had declined over time, and he faced growing opposition. In late 1997, while Bolger was in Scotland, Shipley challenged his leadership of the National Party and persuaded a majority of party members to back her. Without calling for a vote, Bolger resigned as leader of the National Party in early November and as prime minister in December. Shipley replaced him in both roles. She became prime minister on December 8.
During her two years as prime minister, Shipley continued her efforts to reduce government spending and welfare benefits. She also worked to cut taxes. Since 1996, the National Party had led New Zealand’s government in a coalition (partnership) with the New Zealand First party. However, the coalition between the parties began to weaken under Shipley, and her government became unstable.
In elections held in November 1999, the Labour Party won the most seats in Parliament. Helen Clark, the Labour leader, then succeeded Shipley as prime minister on December 10. Shipley remained as National Party leader until 2001. She retired from Parliament in 2002.
Life after politics
Since leaving politics, Shipley has served as an adviser, consultant, and director for a variety of financial, construction, and other companies. Shipley has developed many business interests in Asia. In 2007, she became an independent director at the China Construction Bank, one of the world’s largest banks. In 2009, she became chair of Genesis Energy, a New Zealand government-owned energy company. She also served on an international advisory board for the city of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Shipley received the New Zealand Order of Merit, one of the country’s highest honors, on Dec. 31, 2002, and in 2009 she accepted a damehood.
As a former prime minister, Shipley is a member of the Club of Madrid, an organization of former presidents and prime ministers that promotes global democracy. She is also a member of the Council of Women World Leaders. The council is an international network of current and former women presidents and prime ministers.
