Duncan Webb

{{Infobox officeholder

| honorific-prefix = The Honourable

| name = Duncan Webb

| honorific-suffix = {{post-nominals|country=NZL|MP|size=100%}}

| image = File:Duncan Webb (cropped).jpg

| imagesize =

| caption = Webb in 2023

| office1 = 17th Minister for State Owned Enterprises

| term_start1 = 1 February 2023

| term_end1 = 27 November 2023

| primeminister1 = Chris Hipkins

| predecessor1 = David Clark

| successor1 = Paul Goldsmith

| office2 = 15th Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

| term_start2 = 1 February 2023

| term_end2 = 27 November 2023

| primeminister2 = Chris Hipkins

| predecessor2 = David Clark

| successor2 = Andrew Bayly

| constituency_MP3 = {{NZ electorate link|Christchurch Central}}

| term_start3 = 23 September 2017

| parliament3 = New Zealand

| majority3 = 14,098

| predecessor3 = Nicky Wagner

| office4 =

| term_start4 =

| term_end4 =

| predecessor4 =

| successor4 =

| birth_date = {{birth based on age as of date | 50 | 2017 | 04 | 29 }}

| birth_place = England

| death_date =

| death_place =

| party = Labour (1999–present)

| spouse =

| relations =

| children = 3

| residence =

| profession = Lawyer

| religion =

| alma_mater = University of Canterbury

| website = [http://www.labour.org.nz/duncan-webb Labour Party profile]

}}

Duncan Alexander Webb (born 1967) is a former law professor in New Zealand and now a politician. He was elected as a Member the New Zealand House of Representatives for Christchurch Central, representing the Labour Party, in the 2017 general election.

He was Chief Government Whip, Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Minister for State Owned Enterprises in the Sixth Labour Government.

Early life and career

Webb moved to Christchurch from London in 1974 when he was six years old.{{Cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/91543172/the-year-of-the-doorknock-duncan-webbs-tilt-at-christchurch-central |author=McCrone, John |title=The year of the door-knock: Duncan Webb's tilt at Christchurch Central |website=Stuff.co.nz |date=29 April 2017 |access-date=29 April 2017}} His father had attended Bible college before becoming a pastor at the Māori Evangelical Fellowship Church in Wainoni. After briefly living in Aranui, Webb's family moved to South Brighton where he grew up along with his four siblings.{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11803688 |author=Rutherford, Bridget |title=Lawyer's bid to reclaim former staunch seat for Labour |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |date=19 February 2017 |access-date=19 February 2017}}

He attended Shirley Boys' High School and left before finishing his final year, proceeding directly to the University of Canterbury to study law. Webb graduated Bachelor of Laws with Honours in 1989 before being awarded a Doctor of Laws in 2007.{{cite web |title=Graduate Search |url=https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/graduatesearch/GraduateSearch.aspx#graduatesTop |publisher=University of Canterbury |access-date=24 July 2019}}

Webb currently lives in Christchurch. He lectured in law at Massey University and Victoria University in Wellington for eight years before being appointed as a professor at University of Canterbury in 2000. He continued in that role until 2008.{{Cite web|url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK1605/S00057/duncan-webb-nominated-for-christchurch-central.htm|title=Duncan Webb Nominated for Christchurch Central |website=Scoop|access-date=20 January 2017}} before joining Lane Neave. He also held visiting academic fellowships at the University of Exeter (1999) and the University of Cincinnati (2003), and was a Bell Gully University Fellow from 2001 to 2003.

Webb has also worked for the Public Interest Project, which seeks to get innocent people out of jail, and for the Howard League, which promotes prisoners’ rights.{{Cite web|url=http://www.labour.org.nz/duncanwebb|title=Dr Duncan Webb|publisher=New Zealand Labour Party|language=en|access-date=20 January 2017}} He is a long-time member of the Labour party, joining in 1999.{{Cite web|url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK1606/S00359/duncan-webb-selected-to-stand-for-labour-in-christchurch.htm|title=Duncan Webb Selected to Stand for Labour in Christchurch |website=Scoop|access-date=20 January 2017}} He has three sons. He split from his wife, Tania, in 2016.

Member of Parliament

{{NZ parlbox

|term=52nd

|start={{NZ election link year|2017}}

|end=2020

|list=43

|party=New Zealand Labour Party

|electorate={{NZ electorate link|Christchurch Central}}

}}

{{NZ parlbox

|term=53rd

|start={{NZ election link year|2020}}

|end=2023

|list=43

|party=New Zealand Labour Party

|electorate=Christchurch Central

}}

{{NZ parlbox

|term=54th

|start={{NZ election link year|2023}}

|end=present

|list=20

|party=New Zealand Labour Party

|electorate=Christchurch Central

}}

{{NZ parlbox footer}}A long-time member of the Labour Party, Webb was Brendon Burns' campaign chairman during the {{NZ election link|2011}} when Burns lost {{NZ electorate link|Christchurch Central}} to National candidate Nicky Wagner. Labour had failed to regain the seat in the 2014 election and Webb was selected as the party's candidate for the 2017 election.{{Cite news |date=15 August 2017 |title=Revised Labour Party List for the 2017 Election |publisher=Scoop |url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1708/S00314/revised-labour-party-list-for-the-2017-election.htm |access-date=15 August 2017}} Webb's campaign chair was the former mayor of Christchurch Garry Moore. Webb defeated Wagner by 2,871 votes.{{cite web |title=Official Count Results – Christchurch Central (2017) |url= http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2017/electorate-details-04.html |publisher=Electoral Commission |date=7 October 2017 |access-date=12 October 2017}} After the election, Labour formed a coalition government with New Zealand First and the Green Party.

=First term, 2017–2020=

In Webb's first term of Parliament, he served on various select committees including Regulations Review (2017–2020), Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (2017–2018), Justice (2018–2019), Finance and Expenditure (2017–2020) and Environment (as chair, 2019–2020).{{cite news |title=Winners and losers – PM reveals first substantive Cabinet reshuffle |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/393077/winners-and-losers-pm-reveals-first-substantive-cabinet-reshuffle |access-date=1 July 2019 |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=27 June 2019}} Webb's first member's bill, the Fair Trading (Oppressive Contracts) Amendment Bill, was introduced in March 2018 but was discharged that May without a first reading.{{Cite web |title=Fair Trading (Oppressive Contracts) Amendment Bill 42-1 (2018), Members Bill Contents – New Zealand Legislation |url=https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/member/2018/0042/latest/LMS24928.html |access-date=2022-08-22 |website=www.legislation.govt.nz}}

=Second term, 2020–2023=

During the 2020 New Zealand general election, Webb was re-elected in Christchurch Central, defeating National candidate Dale Stephens by 14,098 votes.{{cite web |title=Christchurch Central – Official Result |url=https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2020/electorate-details-05.html |publisher=Electoral Commission |access-date=6 November 2020}} On 2 November 2020, following the election, he became one of three junior whips for the Labour Party and was also appointed chair of the Finance and Expenditure select committee.{{cite web |title=Dr Duncan Webb |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/members-of-parliament/webb-duncan/ |website=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=6 November 2020}} After a June 2022 Cabinet reshuffle, in which senior whip Kieran McAnulty became a minister, Webb was promoted to senior whip.{{Cite web |first=Thomas |last=Manch |title=Labour's new Cabinet – who's in, who's out, as Trevor Mallard and Kris Faafoi resign |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/128950128/labours-new-cabinet--whos-in-whos-out-as-trevor-mallard-and-kris-faafoi-resign |date=13 June 2022 |access-date=13 June 2022 |work=Stuff.co.nz |language=en-NZ }}

A private Bill on behalf of the Girl Guides Association (New Zealand branch), which was concerned with the disposition of property held by the association in Waitākere, was introduced by Webb in 2021.{{Cite web |title=Girl Guides Association (New Zealand Branch) Incorporation Amendment Bill — First Reading – New Zealand Parliament |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/combined/HansDeb_20210310_20210310_20 |access-date=2022-08-22 |website=www.parliament.nz |language=en}} However, the social services committee recommended it not proceed.{{Cite web |title=Girl Guides Association (New Zealand Branch) Incorporation Amendment Bill – New Zealand Parliament |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/bills-and-laws/bills-proposed-laws/document/BILL_105888/girl-guides-association-new-zealand-branch-incorporation |access-date=2022-08-22 |website=www.parliament.nz |language=en}} Webb's second member's bill, the Companies (Directors Duties) Amendment Bill, was introduced to the House on 23 September 2021. The purpose of the Bill is to make it clear that company directors can take actions that take into account wider matters other than the company's finances.{{Cite web |title=Companies (Directors Duties) Amendment Bill – New Zealand Parliament |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/bills-and-laws/bills-proposed-laws/document/BILL_115958/companies-directors-duties-amendment-bill |access-date=2022-08-22 |website=www.parliament.nz |language=en}}

On 31 January 2023, prime minister Chris Hipkins announced a Cabinet reshuffle, in which Webb was appointed a Minister outside of Cabinet,{{Cite web |date=31 January 2023 |title=New Cabinet focused on bread and butter issues |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-cabinet-focused-bread-and-butter-issues |website=Beehive.govt.nz}} with the portfolios of commerce and consumer affairs and state owned enterprises.{{cite news |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/483394/prime-minister-chris-hipkins-reveals-cabinet-reshuffle |title=Prime Minister Chris Hipkins reveals Cabinet reshuffle |date=31 January 2023 | work=Radio NZ | access-date=31 January 2023 }} He held these positions until the government left office in November 2023. As commerce minister, Webb took responsibility for work regulating the supermarket industry. He appointed the first New Zealand Grocery Commissioner{{Cite web |title=First Grocery Commissioner appointed to hold sector to account |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/first-grocery-commissioner-appointed-hold-sector-account |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=The Beehive |language=en}} and instituted unit pricing regulations.{{Cite web |title=Clearer pricing at supermarkets imminent |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/clearer-pricing-supermarkets-imminent |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=The Beehive |language=en}} With finance minister Grant Robertson, he announced a market study of the banking sector.{{Cite web |title=Market study to investigate banking competition |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/market-study-investigate-banking-competition |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=The Beehive |language=en}} As minister for state owned enterprises, he instituted reviews into KiwiRail disruptions and weather forecasting.{{Cite web |title=Government launches rapid review into KiwiRail disruptions |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-launches-rapid-review-kiwirail-disruptions |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=The Beehive |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Government to review weather forecasting system |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-review-weather-forecasting-system |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=The Beehive |language=en}}

=Third term, 2023–present=

Webb was re-elected in Christchurch Central for a third time in October 2023, defeating Dale Stephens by a decreased margin of 1,841 votes.{{Cite web |title=Christchurch Central – Official Result |url=https://archive.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/electorate-details-05.html |access-date=24 November 2023 |publisher=Electoral Commission|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124054627/https://archive.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/electorate-details-05.html|archive-date=24 November 2023}} He is currently the Deputy Shadow Leader of the House and holds the justice, regulation, Earthquake Commission, and Christchurch Issues portfolios in the Shadow Cabinet of Chris Hipkins.{{cite news |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/503581/labour-party-leader-chris-hipkins-reveals-new-shadow-cabinet |title=Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins reveals new shadow Cabinet |work=Radio New Zealand |date=30 November 2023 |access-date=30 November 2023 |language=en }}

On 5 December 2023, Webb was granted retention of the title The Honourable, in recognition of his term as a member of the Executive Council.{{cite news |url=https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2023-vr5732 |title=Retention of the title "The Honourable" |date=8 December 2023 |work=New Zealand Gazette |access-date=8 December 2023}}

Following a shadow cabinet reshuffle on 7 March 2025, Webb lost his Christchurch Issues portfolio but retained his other portfolios.{{cite news |last1=Palmer |first1=Russell |title=Chris Hipkins announces new Labour 'economic team', Tangi Utikere promoted |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544048/chris-hipkins-announces-new-labour-economic-team-tangi-utikere-promoted |access-date=8 March 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=7 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250307011659/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/544048/chris-hipkins-announces-new-labour-economic-team-tangi-utikere-promoted |archive-date=7 March 2025}}

Political positions

In his maiden speech, Webb identified himself as a socialist.{{cite news |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/98950358/duncan-webb-parliaments-dadjoking-socialist |title=Duncan Webb: Parliament's dad-joking socialist |first=Philip |last=Matthews |work=Stuff.co.nz |date=16 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203074358/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/98950358/duncan-webb-parliaments-dadjoking-socialist |archive-date=3 December 2017 |url-status=live}} He voted in favour of the End of Life Choice Bill in 2019{{Cite web |title=End of Life Choice Bill — Third Reading – New Zealand Parliament |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/combined/HansDeb_20191113_20191113_16 |access-date=2022-08-22 |website=www.parliament.nz |language=en}} and Abortion Legislation Bill in 2020.{{Cite web |title=Abortion Legislation Bill — Third Reading – New Zealand Parliament |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/combined/HansDeb_20200318_20200318_24 |access-date=2022-08-22 |website=www.parliament.nz |language=en}}

= Treaty of Waitangi =

Dr Webb has stated that the Treaty of Waitangi is a fundamental part of New Zealand law, emphasising the importance of recognising and accepting the principles of the Treaty as integral to the nation's legal framework. [https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/HansS_20241113_052500000/webb-duncan Webb, Duncan.] New Zealand Parliament

= Social justice =

Webb consistently advocates for government action to support those in need and for policies that promote a high-wage, low-carbon economy, reflecting his broader commitment to social justice and long-term planning for New Zealand’s future.[https://www.beehive.govt.nz/minister/biography/duncan-webb Hon Dr Duncan Webb,] Beehive

= Climate change =

As an MP and minister, Webb has played key roles in advancing climate change legislation and resource management reform, advocating for policies that balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.[https://www.beehive.govt.nz/minister/biography/duncan-webb Hon Dr Duncan Webb,] Beehive

=Palestinian advocacy=

Webb has also defended the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign as a form of non-violent protest against Israeli policies towards the Palestinians.{{cite tweet |author= Duncan Webb |user=DuncanWebbMP |number=1123381674086002688 |date= 30 April 2019|title=Boycott Divestment & Sanctions is a form of non-violent protest. It is a concrete way to express a political view condemning the policies adopted by the Israeli govt towards Palestine. We need to ensure that free speech rights like this are not shut down.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724051028/https://twitter.com/Duncan_Webb_/status/1123381674086002688|archive-date=24 July 2019 |url-status=}} In early June 2018, Webb also presented a petition on behalf of Palestinian solidarity activist Donna Miles that asked Parliament to request the New Zealand Superannuation Fund to divest from "illegal" Israeli settlements in the West Bank.{{cite web |title=Petition: SuperFund divest from illegal settlements |url=https://kiaoragaza.wordpress.com/2018/06/06/petition-superfund-divest-from-illegal-settlements/ |publisher=Kia Ora Gaza |access-date=24 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724045634/https://kiaoragaza.wordpress.com/2018/06/06/petition-superfund-divest-from-illegal-settlements/ |archive-date=24 July 2019 |date=6 June 2018 |url-status=live }} In August 2018, Webb hosted a meeting with Unite Union Director Mike Treen, who participated in the International Freedom Flotilla's attempt that year to breach the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip.{{cite web |last1=Cumin |first1=David |title=Israel Institute calls on government to distance itself from terrorism |url=https://israelinstitute.nz/2018/08/israel-institute-calls-on-government-to-distance-itself-from-terrorism/ |publisher=Israel Institute of New Zealand |access-date=24 July 2019 |date=14 August 2018}}{{cite news |title=Say no to the Israel Institute's call |url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1808/S00217/say-no-to-the-israel-institutes-call.htm |access-date=24 July 2019 |agency=Scoop |publisher=Palestine Human Rights Campaign |date=16 August 2018}} Webb's Palestinian activism has drawn criticism from Zionist advocacy groups including the Israel Institute of New Zealand (IINZ), the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC),{{cite web |last1=Cumin |first1=David |title=New Zealand Labour MP continues extreme anti-Israel stance|url=https://israelinstitute.nz/2019/05/new-zealand-labour-mp-continues-extreme-anti-israel-stance/ |publisher=Israel Institute of New Zealand |access-date=24 July 2019 |date=2 May 2019}}{{cite web |last1=Cumin |first1=David |last2=Levin |first2=Naomi |title=NZ Government should stand up to MP bringing them down |url=https://aijac.org.au/featured/nz-government-should-stand-up-to-mp-bringing-them-down/ |publisher=AIJAC |access-date=24 July 2019 |date=30 May 2019}} and the New Zealand Jewish Council.{{cite web |last1=Jewish Council |first1=New Zealand |title=NZ Jewish Council criticizes Christchurch Central MP|url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1905/S00291/nz-jewish-council-criticizes-christchurch-central-mp.htm |publisher=Scoop |access-date=24 July 2019 |date=20 May 2019}}

On 11 May 2021, Webb and 16 other New Zealand Members of Parliament donned keffiyeh to mark World Keffiyeh Day.{{cite news |author1=Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa |title=MPs Showing Solidarity With Palestinians At A Time When It Is So Desperately Needed |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2105/S00090/congratulations-to-new-zealand-mps-showing-solidarity-with-palestinians-at-a-time-when-it-is-so-desperately-needed.htm |work=Scoop |date=11 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512031529/https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2105/S00090/congratulations-to-new-zealand-mps-showing-solidarity-with-palestinians-at-a-time-when-it-is-so-desperately-needed.htm |archive-date=12 May 2021|url-status=live}}

Despite his vocal support for the Palestinians, Webb expressed disagreement with the use of the controversial chant "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free." The chant has been alleged to be associated with anti-Semitism and support for Hamas. Following controversy around Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick's use of the phrase during a Palestinian solidarity rally held in response to the Gaza war in November 2023, Webb said "he didn't participate if the chant started at rallies he attended."{{cite news |last1=McConnell |first1=Glenn |title='A very loaded statement': Chris Hipkins expects Labour MPs to avoid 'river to sea' chant |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/133250410/a-very-loaded-statement-chris-hipkins-expects-labour-mps-to-avoid-river-to-sea-chant |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=Stuff |date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124030643/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/133250410/a-very-loaded-statement-chris-hipkins-expects-labour-mps-to-avoid-river-to-sea-chant |archive-date=24 November 2023|url-status=live}}

In early August 2024, Webb attracted controversy after posting an Instagram video where he spoke at a rally where protesters chanted "Hey, Luxon, what do you say? How many kids did you kill today?." Webb also gave a speech denouncing the "demonisation" of Palestinians, alleged "Israeli apartheid," and calling for an end to the Gaza war. While Labour leader Chris Hipkins initially defended Webb, he subsequently expressed disagreement with the chants used during the protest. In response, National Party leader and Prime Minister Luxon denounced Webb's behaviour as "beyond the pale" and labelled Hipkins a hypocrite for not taking stronger action against Webb.{{cite news |last1=McCulloch |first1=Craig |title=Labour MP publishes Palestine protest video asking Luxon: 'How many kids did you kill?' |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/524411/labour-mp-publishes-palestine-protest-video-asking-luxon-how-many-kids-did-you-kill |access-date=10 August 2024 |work=RNZ |date=7 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808032856/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/524411/labour-mp-publishes-palestine-protest-video-asking-luxon-how-many-kids-did-you-kill |archive-date=8 August 2024|url-status=live}}