Steven Joyce

Joyce's parents worked as grocers.{{Cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10543524|title=Former campaign boss the bolter in Key's Cabinet|date=17 November 2008|publisher=New Zealand Herald |access-date=21 January 2009}} He went to school at Francis Douglas Memorial College, before enrolling at Massey University, applying to study veterinary science. However he "missed the cut",{{Cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz-election-2008/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501799&objectid=10537678|title=A word with... Steven Joyce|last=Roughan|first=John|date=16 October 2008|publisher=New Zealand Herald |access-date=18 December 2016}} graduating instead with a BSc in zoology. While at university he worked as a presenter and programme director on student radio.{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sundaystartimes/4761379a6619.html|title=Key's six million dollar man – Steven Joyce|last=Dudding|first=Adam|date=16 November 2008|publisher=Sunday Star Times|access-date=21 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226044150/http://www.stuff.co.nz/sundaystartimes/4761379a6619.html|archive-date=26 December 2008|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} He also took fifteen economics papers eleven https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Massey_University_Academic_Record_-_Steven_Leonard_Joyce.pdf at Massey from 1982 to 1986, withdrew or did not complete seven of them and failed one through insufficient grade.{{Cite news |url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11917623| title=Finance Minister Steven Joyce confirms he dropped out of uni economics papers| work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=5 September 2017}}

After leaving university Joyce and a group of friends (including radio presenter Jeremy Corbett) started their own radio station, Energy FM, in New Plymouth. With business partners, he built up RadioWorks over the next seventeen years, both organically and by acquisition, to a network of 22 radio stations and 650 staff. He retired as Managing Director of RadioWorks in April 2001, when CanWest purchased it, Joyce receiving $6 million for the sale.

After RadioWorks he joined the New Zealand National Party, working as their campaign manager in both the 2005 and the 2008 general elections. He was announced as a list only candidate for the party in the 2002 general election,{{cite web |title=Candidates' Bios, Alphabetically By Constituencies |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0206/S00247.htm |access-date=21 July 2020}} but did not appear on the final list.{{cite web |title=Party Lists of Successful Registered Parties |url= http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2002/e9/html/e9_part3.html |publisher=Electoral Commission |access-date=21 July 2020}} He also served as CEO of Jasons Travel Media for two years until 2008.{{Cite web|title=New face at helm of Jasons Travel Media|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/new-face-at-helm-of-jasons-travel-media/ELC5VD3JQZUYBJU6OWJ7MWQFU4/|access-date=2021-10-12|website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}}

In 2010 while Minister of Transport, Joyce admitted to two prior driving convictions, careless driving resulting in a fine in 1988, and careless driving causing injury resulting in a fine and loss of licence in 1989.{{Cite news|title=Minister admits driving offences|first=Adam|last=Bennett|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10674071|work=The New Zealand Herald |date=16 September 2010|access-date=24 September 2010}}

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On 8 November 2008, Joyce was elected as a list-only candidate (ranked 16th on the party list) at the 2008 election in the Fifth National Government of New Zealand of the 49th Parliament of New Zealand representing the New Zealand National Party.

As a first term member of parliament, Joyce was appointed to the office of the Minister of Transport and the office of the Communications and Information Technology."Appointment of Ministers" (21 November 2008), 179 [http://www.dia.govt.nz/MSOS118/On-Line/NZGazette.nsf/6cee7698a9bbc7cfcc256d510059ed0b/8155efb9e8df9c7ecc25750f0047784d!OpenDocument New Zealand Gazette], pg. 4635. Joyce was also appointed as a member of the Executive Council"Members of Executive Council Appointed" (21 November 2008), 179 [http://www.dia.govt.nz/MSOS118/On-Line/NZGazette.nsf/6cee7698a9bbc7cfcc256d510059ed0b/f0b26c54c2b6dd0ecc25750f00477759!OpenDocument New Zealand Gazette], pg. 4634. and was titled as The Honourable Steven Leonard Joyce, MP. During his tenure as Minister of Transport a number of changes were introduced. In November 2009 a ban on using cellphones while driving came into effect.{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/2750905/Cellphone-ban-comes-with-fines|title=Cellphone ban comes with fines|last=Williams|first=David|date=14 August 2009|work=The Press|access-date=10 March 2010}}

In 2010, New Zealand's unique right-hand rule at intersections was reversed. The minimum driving age was also raised from 15 to 16.{{Cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10629628&pnum=0|title=NZ's right-hand rule set for change|date=3 March 2010|work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=10 March 2010}} Both measures were subject to cabinet approval and public consultation, and eventually passed into law.{{cite web|url=http://www.transport.govt.nz/saferjourneys/Documents/Safer%20Journeys%20First%20Actions.pdf|title=Safer Journeys, First Actions|date=March 2010|publisher=Ministry of Transport|access-date=11 March 2010|location=Wellington}}

This minimum driving age proposal was criticised by the editorial board of The New Zealand Herald for being too hesitant after experts and the public had favoured raising the driving age as high as 18 and in the opinion of the newspaper, Joyce "had not shown the resolve to follow the recommendations".{{Cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10629519|title=Editorial: Cabinet keeps to slow lane on driving age|date=3 March 2010|work=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=10 March 2010}}

He helped create Auckland Transport as a council-controlled organisation for Auckland. Joyce stated that "Auckland will need a good agency focused on delivering the projects that have been agreed by council" and noting that Council had a number of ways of ensuring that the entity was accountable.{{Cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10631260|title=Joyce adamant on city transport giant|work=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=11 March 2010|first=Bernard|last=Orsman}}

Joyce was also appointed to the Office of [https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2016-go2994 Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment]"Appointment of Ministers" (27 January 2010) 5 [http://www.dia.govt.nz/MSOS118/On-Line/NZGazette.nsf/658bf950ed55760ccc256ce40072801f/e6113ed4e16f69d9cc2576bb00005bcb!OpenDocument New Zealand Gazette], pg. 221. replacing Anne Tolley, effective 27 January 2010.

File:CE - Comissão de Educação, Cultura e Esporte (16680551223).jpg

In the 2011 election for the 50th New Zealand Parliament Joyce retained his seat in Parliament (as a list candidate, now rated 13th on the party list) and was appointed to the office of Minister for Economic Development."Vice Regal: Appointment of Ministers" (15 December 2011) 193 [http://www.dia.govt.nz/MSOS118/On-Line/NZGazette.nsf/6cee7698a9bbc7cfcc256d510059ed0b/70c282b39a4e2bb2cc2579670056d474!OpenDocument New Zealand Gazette], pg. 5651; accessed 25 January 2016. in the Fifth National Government of New Zealand. His previous role as Minister of Transport"Resignation of Ministers" (14 December 2011), 193 [http://www.dia.govt.nz/MSOS118/On-Line/NZGazette.nsf/6cee7698a9bbc7cfcc256d510059ed0b/cfb97492cb44db4fcc2579670056d217!OpenDocument New Zealand Gazette], pg. 5650. passed to Gerry Brownlee.

In May 2013, he signed a deal with casino Skycity Auckland, allowing it to install an additional 230 pokie machines and 40 new gambling tables, in exchange for building a $402 million convention centre.{{cite news|url=http://tvnz.co.nz/politics-news/skycity-convention-centre-set-create-800-jobs-joyce-5435254|work=TV NZ|title=SkyCity convention centre set to create 800 jobs – Joyce|date=13 May 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/8664618/Green-Party-threatens-SkyCity-law-repeal|work=Stuff |title=SkyCity's pokie full house|date=13 May 2013}}

In August 2013, he was given responsibility to investigate both the Novopay debacle and the 2013 Fonterra recall.{{cite news|last=Espiner|first=Colin|title=Mr Fixit in charge of dairy scare|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/blogs/bull-dust/9012515/Mr-Fixit-in-charge-of-dairy-scare|access-date=11 August 2013|work=Stuff |publisher=Fairfax|date=7 August 2013}}

In what became known as the Waitangi dildo incident, a rubber sex toy was thrown at Joyce during an anti-TPPA protest at the 2016 Waitangi Day celebrations while he was speaking to media. The protester responsible, Josie Butler, a nurse from Christchurch, shouted "That’s for raping our sovereignty". She claimed she was protesting against the TPPA. She was taken away by police, but not charged.{{cite news|author=Elle Hunt|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/16/new-zealand-mp-dildo-baggins-cops-sex-toy-in-the-face-and-takes-ribbing-on-the-chin|title=New Zealand MP 'Dildo Baggins' cops sex toy in the face and takes ribbing on the chin|work=The Guardian|access-date=25 January 2017}}

On 20 December 2016, Joyce was appointed as Minister of Finance and Infrastructure.{{cite web|title=Hon Steven Joyce|url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/members-of-parliament/joyce-steven/|publisher=New Zealand Parliament|access-date=23 November 2017}} During the lead-up to the 2017 general election, Joyce alleged that there was an NZ$11 billion hole in the opposition Labour Party's fiscal plan. These charges were disputed by Labour politicians including Opposition Leader Jacinda Ardern and Deputy Leader Kelvin Davis.{{cite news |last1=Young |first1=Audrey |title=An '$11 billion hole': Expert analysis of Labour's fiscal plan after Steven Joyce called it a 'fiscal hole'|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11917655 |access-date=23 November 2017| work=The New Zealand Herald |date=5 September 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Satherley|first1=Dan|title=Steven Joyce's 'big fat lie' has backfired – Kelvin Davis|url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/election/2017/09/steven-joyce-s-big-fat-lie-has-backfired-kelvin-davis.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908045808/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/election/2017/09/steven-joyce-s-big-fat-lie-has-backfired-kelvin-davis.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 September 2017|access-date=23 November 2017|publisher=Newshub|date=8 September 2017}}

During the 2017 election, Joyce stood on the National Party list and was re-elected.{{cite web|title=2017 General Election – Successful candidates|url=http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2017/successful-candidates.html|publisher=Electoral Commission|access-date=23 November 2017}} National won 44% of the popular vote and 56 seats; maintaining its plurality in the New Zealand House of Representatives.{{cite web|title=2017 General Election – Official Results|url=http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2017/|publisher=Electoral Commission|access-date=23 November 2017}} However, National fell short of the majority needed to govern alone. Following post-election negotiations, Labour formed a coalition government with the opposition New Zealand First and Green parties.{{cite web |url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/election/2017/10/full-video-nz-first-leader-winston-peters-announces-next-government.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019164112/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/election/2017/10/full-video-nz-first-leader-winston-peters-announces-next-government.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 October 2017 |title=Full video: NZ First leader Winston Peters announces next Government |author=Chapman, Grant |date=19 October 2017 |work=Newshub |access-date=19 October 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/election/2017/10/an-historic-moment-for-the-green-party-james-shaw.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019163305/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/election/2017/10/an-historic-moment-for-the-green-party-james-shaw.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 October 2017 |title=An 'historic moment' for the Green Party – James Shaw |author=Hurley, Emma |date=19 October 2017 |work=Newshub |access-date=19 October 2017}}

Following the formation of a Labour-led coalition government, Joyce became the National Party's Spokesperson for Finance and Infrastructure. He was also allocated a seat on the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee. However, on 6 March 2018, Joyce announced he would resign from Parliament, reportedly after not being offered the Finance portfolio under new National leader Simon Bridges, who had replaced Bill English.

In 2018, Joyce established a consultancy firm called "Joyce Advisory," which specialises in business strategy development and execution, brand development and consumer preferences, reputation and crisis management, and regulatory issues. He has been retained by various businesses including property development and engineering. According to political scientist Bryce Edwards, Joyce maintains close ties with the National Party and provided advice in the area of policy development.

In June 2023, Radio New Zealand (RNZ) reported that the University of Waikato had paid nearly NZ$1 million in consultancy fees to Joyce Advisory.{{cite news |title=Waikato University pays firm nearly $1million for advice |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018894120/waikato-university-pays-firm-nearly-dollar1million-for-advice |access-date=11 September 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=13 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904195238/https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018894120/waikato-university-pays-firm-nearly-dollar1million-for-advice |archive-date=4 September 2023|url-status=live}} In July 2023, National pledged to establish a third medical school at Waikato University while campaigning for the 2023 New Zealand general election.{{cite news |last1=Lines-McKenzie |first1=Jo |title=National backs third medical school in Waikato |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/waikato/132482735/national-backs-third-medical-school-in-waikato |access-date=10 July 2023 |work=Stuff |date=5 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707133954/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/waikato/132482735/national-backs-third-medical-school-in-waikato |archive-date=7 July 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Ellis |first1=Fiona |title=National pledges Dunedin hospital budget boost |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/national-pledges-dunedin-hospital-budget-boost |access-date=10 July 2023 |work=Otago Daily Times |date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708123919/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/national-pledges-dunedin-hospital-budget-boost |archive-date=8 July 2023|url-status=live}} Waikato University then hired Joyce's former press secretary and political advisor Anna Lillis to promote the school. However the university said that Joyce had no involvement in conducting government relations or lobbying work for the institution. In response, Tertiary Education Union's Waikato University organiser Shane Vugler criticised the university leadership for compromising its political independence. In early May 2024, the Auditor-General John Ryan criticised Waikato University for not engaging in a competitive procurement process when contracting the services of Joyce Advisory. The University paid NZ$1.1 million in public funds to Joyce Advisory between 2019 and 2023.{{cite news |title=Auditor-General criticises way University of Waikato contracted Steven Joyce |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/515880/auditor-general-criticises-way-university-of-waikato-contracted-steven-joyce |access-date=6 May 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=3 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503121736/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/515880/auditor-general-criticises-way-university-of-waikato-contracted-steven-joyce |archive-date=3 May 2024}}

In early May 2025, Joyce expressed interest in replacing media company NZME's chairman Barbara Chapman in anticipation of a shareholders meeting scheduled for 3 June 2025.{{cite news |last1=Currie |first1=Shayne |title=Media Insider: NZME board battle – former National Party minister Steven Joyce in line to be director and chair amid raft of confirmed and new board nominations |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-nzme-board-battle-former-national-party-minister-steven-joyce-in-line-to-be-director-and-chair-amid-raft-of-confirmed-and-new-board-nominations/QSAFW7CKJJHLZDWKBSVSNXKGKU/ |access-date=7 May 2025 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=6 May 2025|url-access=subscription}}

Joyce lives in Albany with his wife Suzanne and their two children.

• {{cite book |last= Joyce |first= Steven |title= On the Record. |accessdate= |edition= |orig-date= |year= 2023 |publisher= Allen & Unwin |location= Auckland |isbn= 978-1-99100-646-2 |oclc= |page= |pages= }}

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{{subject bar|auto=y|d=y|Politics|New Zealand}}

• [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10838337 MediaWorks repays 'Joyce loan' for radio licences], nzherald.co.nz, 4 October 2012; accessed 26 January 2017.
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20150213031802/https://www.national.org.nz/team/mps/detail/steven.joyce Profile], national.org.nz; accessed 26 January 2017.
• {{MPLinksNZ|parliament=mps/current/51MP2681/joyce-steven|beehive=steven-joyce|theywork=steven_joyce}}

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Category:1963 births

Category:Living people

Category:Massey University alumni

Category:Members of the Cabinet of New Zealand

Category:Members of the New Zealand House of Representatives

Category:New Zealand businesspeople

Category:New Zealand National Party MPs

Category:New Zealand radio presenters

Category:People from New Plymouth

Category:People educated at Francis Douglas Memorial College

Category:New Zealand list MPs

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