New Zealand politician, priest, and broadcaster
Remembering those we recently lost
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Key moments and achievements from John Terris's life.
John was born
· Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand
Career
John James Terris began his professional life in the mid-1960s as a versatile broadcaster for the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation (NZBC), where he honed the communication skills that would later define his political career. Working primarily out of Wellington’s 2ZB station, he served in diverse roles ranging from a radio announcer and interviewer to a television producer and director. His work behind the scenes was particularly influential, as he produced a variety of current affairs and religious programming that sought to engage the public on significant social issues. This period in broadcasting provided John James Terris with a unique platform to understand the concerns of everyday New Zealanders, ultimately serving as the bridge between his early vocation in the church and his future in the House of Representatives.
Career
John James Terris began his professional life in the mid-1960s as a versatile broadcaster for the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation (NZBC), where he honed the communication skills that would later define his political career. Working primarily out of Wellington’s 2ZB station, he served in diverse roles ranging from a radio announcer and interviewer to a television producer and director. His work behind the scenes was particularly influential, as he produced a variety of current affairs and religious programming that sought to engage the public on significant social issues. This period in broadcasting provided John James Terris with a unique platform to understand the concerns of everyday New Zealanders, ultimately serving as the bridge between his early vocation in the church and his future in the House of Representatives.
Career
Terris was first elected as the Labour member of parliament for the Western Hutt electorate in 1978, beginning a 12-year career in the New Zealand Parliament that would include four consecutive terms.
Career
Terris was first elected as the Labour member of parliament for the Western Hutt electorate in 1978, beginning a 12-year career in the New Zealand Parliament that would include four consecutive terms.
Achievement
Terris was appointed Chairman of Committees of the House of Representatives from 1984 to 1990, a role that included serving as deputy speaker of the New Zealand Parliament during the transformative Fourth Labour Government era.
Achievement
Terris was appointed Chairman of Committees of the House of Representatives from 1984 to 1990, a role that included serving as deputy speaker of the New Zealand Parliament during the transformative Fourth Labour Government era.
Achievement
In the 1990 New Year Honours, Terris was appointed a Companion of the Queens Service Order (QSO) for his public services, recognizing his distinguished contributions to New Zealand governance and community.
Achievement
In the 1990 New Year Honours, Terris was appointed a Companion of the Queens Service Order (QSO) for his public services, recognizing his distinguished contributions to New Zealand governance and community.
Career
Terris successfully stood for Mayor of Lower Hutt at the 1995 local elections, winning the race and beginning a nine-year tenure as mayor that would transform the city across three consecutive terms until 2004.
Career
Terris successfully stood for Mayor of Lower Hutt at the 1995 local elections, winning the race and beginning a nine-year tenure as mayor that would transform the city across three consecutive terms until 2004.
Achievement
In his later years, Terris published How To Make a Speech and How To Run A Meeting in 2013, and released September Showdown in 2014, sharing his decades of experience in public life with future generations.
Achievement
In his later years, Terris published How To Make a Speech and How To Run A Meeting in 2013, and released September Showdown in 2014, sharing his decades of experience in public life with future generations.
John Terris passed away
