She has influenced the lives of thousands of New Zealanders, operating at every level of education from early childhood through to university. Marian served on boards of regional playcentres, various national education committees and was a member of Canterbury University Council from 1994-96. She was Principal of Avonside Girls' High School, Christchurch, from 1989-1996.
In 1996 Marian moved to Wellington and was appointed Principal of Wellington Girls' College. Before she could take up that position, however, she entered Parliament as a Labour List MP. Three years later, in the 1999 General Election, she won the Wellington Central seat, defeating ACT Leader, Richard Prebble.
Elected to the Cabinet by her Labour Caucus colleagues Marian held the portfolios of Environment, Biosecurity, Broadcasting, the National Library and National Archives.
She resigned as Minister on February 23, 2001, pending the outcome of two inquiries covering her registration on the Wellington Central electoral roll and the circumstances surrounding her claim for allowances during the previous Parliament. After being cleared by both inquiries she returned to the Cabinet on March 28 with the portfolios of Environment, Broadcasting, National Library, Archives New Zealand, Associate Education and Associate Biosecurity.
Marian was first a member of the Labour Party in the early 70's but left when she and husband, Walter, established the Chippenham commune in urban Christchurch. They also established the "alternative" Four Avenues school which operated successfully for about 20 years.
Marian flirted with the Communist Party in the late 70's but the watershed in her political and social development was the 1981 South African Springbok rugby tour. Her experiences in the dock in court following anti-tour demonstrations, led her into prison visiting.
She became a Quaker and worked for the National Council of Churches' aid agency, Christian World Service. She also chaired Presbyterian Support Services for the Canterbury region.
Before entering Parliament Marian was a familiar voice on National Radio's "Sunday Supplement" and also used to contribute to Radio New Zealand's former commercial network commentary programme "Looking at Ourselves".
Marian is a passionate cricket fan, sailor and supporter of the New Zealand arts community. She has a particular love for choral music and is Patron of the Secondary Schools' Choir.
Marian, who is separated, has two children.
March 28 2001
