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Bill English

Sir Simon William English is a New Zealand former politician who served as the 39th prime minister of New Zealand from 2016 to 2017 and leader of the National Party from 2001 to 2003 and 2016 to 2018. He had previously served as the 17th deputy prime minister of New Zealand and minister of finance from 2008 to 2016 under John Key and the Fifth National Government.

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politics · Prime Minister of New Zealand from 2016 to 2017 · politician · farmer · also Bill English, Simon William English, William English, Simon William "Bill" English, Sir Bill English, Sir William English

Born 30 December 1961 · Q4384608

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Aug 2026Quote
My parents always had strong opinions and tended to act on them – to do with farming, education for their kids,
85%The GuardianSource Permalink
Aug 2026Quote
They weren’t interested in politics for politics’ sake.
85%The GuardianSource Permalink

2026· 3 entries

Aug 22, 2026Documented record85% confidence

“My parents always had strong opinions and tended to act on them – to do with farming, education for their kids,”

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Aug 22, 2026Documented record85% confidence

“They weren’t interested in politics for politics’ sake.”

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Aug 19, 2026Documented record69% confidence

The Spinoff: 11.00pm: Bill English wins. Winston Peters loses. And Winston Peters wins

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2019· 1 entry

Jun 15, 2019Documented record84% confidence

Awarded honorary doctor of the University of Otago (2019).

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2018· 3 entries

Jun 15, 2018Documented record84% confidence

Awarded honorary doctor of Victoria University of Wellington (2018).

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Jun 15, 2018Documented record84% confidence

Awarded Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit‎ (2018).

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2018Source gives the year onlyDocumented record70% confidence

English joined the board of Australian conglomerate, Wesfarmers

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2016· 1 entry

Jan 1, 2016Documented record84% confidence

Career landmark: Prime Minister of New Zealand (2016–2017).

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2009· 2 entries

2009Source gives the year onlyDocumented record70% confidence

English 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

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2009Source gives the year onlyDocumented record70% confidence

The media, including TVNZ and TV3 revealed that English was receiving about NZ$900 a week as part of a living allowance for ministers, to live in his own NZ$1

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2008· 3 entries

Jan 1, 2008Documented record84% confidence

Career landmark: Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand (2008–2016).

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Jan 1, 2008Documented record84% confidence

Career landmark: Minister of Infrastructure (2008–2011).

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Jan 1, 2008Documented record84% confidence

Career landmark: Minister of Finance (2008–2016).

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2005· 1 entry

2005Source gives the year onlyDocumented record66% confidence

Voted for the Marriage (Gender Clarification) Amendment Bill, which would have amended the Marriage Act to define marriage as only between a man and a woman

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2004· 1 entry

2004Source gives the year onlyDocumented record70% confidence

English voted against a bill to establish civil unions for both same-sex and opposite-sex couples

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2002· 1 entry

2002Source gives the year onlyDocumented record66% confidence

Eventually being returned to the finance portfolio in August 2004 as deputy spokesman (while still retaining responsibility for education)

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2001· 1 entry

Jan 1, 2001Documented record84% confidence

Career landmark: Leader of the Opposition (2001–2003).

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1999· 1 entry

Jan 1, 1999Documented record84% confidence

Career landmark: Minister of Finance (1999–1999).

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1996· 3 entries

1996Source gives the year onlyDocumented record66% confidence

And in 1999 was made minister of finance, although he served for less than a year due to his party's loss at the 1999 general election

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Jan 1, 1996Documented record84% confidence

Career landmark: Member of the New Zealand Parliament (1996–2014).

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Jan 1, 1996Documented record84% confidence

Career landmark: Minister of Health (1996–1999).

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1990· 2 entries

1990Source gives the year onlyDocumented record66% confidence

As the National Party's candidate in the Wallace electorate

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Jan 1, 1990Documented record84% confidence

Career landmark: Member of the New Zealand Parliament (1990–1996).

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1961· 1 entry

Dec 30, 1961Documented record86% confidence

Born 1961-12-30.

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