Jenny Shipley
Prime Minister, New Zealand, 1997 - 1999

Jenny Shipley was the Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1997 to 1999, the first female head of government in New Zealand, and the only woman to serve as leader of the National Party. She was born on February 4, 1952 in the southern town of Gore, New Zealand, educated in Wellington and Blenheim. Prior to entering politics, she taught in primary schools as well as served in a number of educational and child-care organizations. Shipley joined the National Party in 1975, and became Minister of Social Welfare, Minister of Health and Minister of Women Affairs successively from 1990 to 1996.