Harita interviews Ingrid Leary.
Born in Germany to a Dutch aristocrat mother and a Kiwi father, her family later moved to New Zealand, where her father overcame severe generational poverty to become a doctor. She went on to study law at the University of Otago, building an extraordinary career across law, international relation management, and journalism. In 2006, she was awarded the New Zealand Special Service Medal for her immense bravery broadcasting from the front lines of Aceh following the catastrophic 2004 Boxing Day tsunami.
After over a decade leading international relations as the Director of the British Council New Zealand, she stepped directly into the political arena. In 2020, she won the seat for Taieri, navigating a sprawling and diverse electorate that bridges urban Dunedin South and rural South Otago.
Today, she serves on the parliamentary Health Select Committee and holds critical roles as the Labour Party Spokesperson for Mental Health and Seniors, as well as for Sport and Recreation and the Community Sector. Known for her sharp advocacy on everything from climate adaptation in South Dunedin to systemic reforms in retirement village protections, she remains a fierce voice for equity and regional resilience.
Some of you may remember that I interviewed her in the lead up to the 2023 elections, so it's great to chat to her again in the lead up to the 2026 elections.
