Lan Pham is a New Zealand politician and lawyer, currently serving as a Member of Parliament for the Green Party in the New Zealand House of Representatives. She was elected to Parliament in the 2023 New Zealand general election.
Early Life and Education
Born in
Vietnam, Pham's family immigrated to
New Zealand as refugees when she was young. She grew up in
Christchurch, where she later attended the
University of Canterbury, graduating with degrees in law and science, with a major in ecology. Her professional background includes work as an environmental lawyer and policy advisor, with a particular focus on conservation and water management.
Political Career
Local Government
Pham's political career began in local government. In
2016, she was elected as a councillor to the
Canterbury Regional Council (also known as
Environment Canterbury), representing the Christchurch South ward. During her tenure, she became known for her advocacy on environmental issues, including freshwater quality, biodiversity protection, and climate change action. She served on the council until
2022.
Member of Parliament
After several unsuccessful attempts to enter national politics, Lan Pham was elected to the
New Zealand Parliament in the
2023 general election as a list Member of Parliament for the
Green Party. She had previously stood as a candidate in the
Christchurch East electorate. As an MP, her portfolios are expected to include environmental policy, conservation, and climate change, aligning with her previous work and the
Green Party's core principles.
Political Positions
As a member of the
Green Party, Pham advocates for strong environmental protection, sustainable development, social justice, and a transition to a low-carbon economy. Her policy interests align with the
Green Party's focus on climate action, biodiversity conservation, and improving water quality.