Introduction
David Allister Bennett (born 28 October 1970) is a New Zealand politician. He has been a Member of Parliament since 2005, representing the Hamilton East electorate for the National Party.
Early years
Bennett was born on 28 October 1970 in Hamilton. He attended St John's College, Hamilton before gaining an LLB and a BCA from Victoria University of Wellington. Bennett owns two dairy farms near Te Awamutu, and has also worked as an accountant for KPMG, in Auckland.
Member of Parliament
| New Zealand Parliament | ||||
| Years | Term | Electorate | List | Party |
| 2005–2008 | 48th | Hamilton East | 32 | National |
| 2008–2011 | 49th | Hamilton East | 44 | National |
| 2011–2014 | 50th | Hamilton East | 48 | National |
| 2014–2017 | 51st | Hamilton East | 37 | National |
| 2017–present | 52nd | Hamilton East | 24 | National |
In the 2005 election, Bennett stood as the National Party's candidate for the Hamilton East seat. He was successful, defeating the incumbent MP, Dianne Yates of the Labour Party.
In 2005, Bennett voted for the Marriage (Gender Clarification) Amendment Bill 2005, which would have amended the Marriage Act to define marriage as only between a man and a woman.
In 2009, Bennett voted against the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill, a bill aimed at amending the Misuse of Drugs Act so that cannabis could be used for medical purposes.
Bennettwas the Chair of the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee, and a member of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committee. He was appointed Minister for Food Safety and Minister for Veterans' Affairs outside Cabinet after Bill English became Prime Minister in 2016, and was additionally appointed Minister of Racing in 2017.
Bennett is currently the spokesperson for food safety and racing and the associate spokesperson for immigration.
Personal life
Bennett was in a long-distance relationship with Australian senator Bridget McKenzie.