Alec Neill

Alexander George (Alec) Neill (born 22 July 1950) is a former New Zealand politician. He was a National Party MP from 1990 to 1996, in 1999, and from 2001 to 2002. He was born in Dunedin, and attended St. Kevin's College, Oamaru, and the University of Otago where he graduated with an LLB.

He was first elected to Parliament in the 1990 elections as MP for Waitaki, and was re-elected in the 1993 elections. In the 1996 elections, however, he did not win an electorate seat, and narrowly missed out on entering Parliament as a list MP.

In 1999, Paul East resigned from Parliament to take up a diplomatic post, and as Neill was the next candidate on National's list, he was brought into Parliament as a replacement. Soon afterwards, however, Neill lost his seat in the 1999 elections, where he once again fell just below the cut-off. In 2001, Simon Upton resigned, and Neill was again the next candidate on the list, allowing him to return to Parliament.

In the 2002 elections, however, Neill lost his seat again — this time, however, he was substantially below the cut-off, and was not called on to replace another departing list MP. He did not stand in the 2005 elections.

In April 2003, Alec Neill was elected to Canterbury Regional Council as a councillor for the Christchurch West constituency. This was a by-election caused by the deaths of Cr. Neil Cherry and Cr. Peter Youman. [ [http://www.ecan.govt.nz/About+Us/DisplayMediaRelease.html?id=346 Early results of Christchurch West by-election reveal two leaders] , Environment Canterbury Press Release, 5 April 2003, retrieved 9 December 2007.] Alec Neill was re-elected in October 2005 and October 2007. [ [http://www.ecan.govt.nz/About+Us/DisplayMediaRelease.html?id=994 Complete election results 2007 Canty Regional Council] , Environment Canterbury Press Release, 13 October 2007, retrieved 9 December 2007.] On 25 October 2007, he lost a vote to become Chairperson to Sir Kerry Burke by one vote after the voting by councillors was initially tied at 7 voters each. [ [http://www.stuff.co.nz/4249245a24035.html Burke wins tight contest to lead council] , By Beck Eleven, The Press, Thursday, 25 October 2007, retrieved 30 January 2008.] On 12 November 2007, he was appointed as the chair of the Regulations Hearing Committee jointly with Cr. Angus McKay. [ [http://www.ecan.govt.nz/About+Us/DisplayMediaRelease.html?id=1005 Council committees - chairs and membership] , Environment Canterbury Press Release, Monday, 12 November 2007, retrieved 23 January 2008.]

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