Chris Penk

Christopher Aidan Penk is a New Zealand politician who has served as a Member of Parliament for the National Party since 2017. Currently representing the Kaipara ki Mahurangi electorate, he holds several ministerial portfolios, including Defence, Space, and responsibility for the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service and the Government Communications Security Bureau. A former Royal New Zealand Navy officer and property lawyer, Penk previously served as Chief Opposition Whip. He is known for his conservative-leaning social views and has been a prominent figure in the National-led coalition government's efforts to reform building consent systems and national veteran policies.