Starting out as a member of the Banks Peninsula community board, he went on to serve two terms as the District's Mayor (2001-2006) and after leading the amalgamation of the Banks Peninsular District and the City Council became a Christchurch City Councillor in 2006.
He also held the position of independent chairman of the Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy for two years.
Personal background
Born in Christchurch in 1953, Bob Parker grew up in the hillside community of Heathcote before moving to Somerfield when he was 11.
He attended South Intermediate and Cashmere High Schools, going on to study an intermediate year in Zoology at Canterbury University before getting a job as a shop assistant. He also worked in a factory.
After getting married he was lucky to get a job in radio and was able to buy his first home in Woolston.
His broadcasting career took him firstly to Wellington and then, Auckland. After many years away, he returned to Christchurch in the early ‘90s, living between Akaroa and a rented apartment in the city.
His interests centre on family, the Arts; music, movies and the theatre. He loves walking and enjoys anything to do machinery and how it works.
Now married to Joanna, Bob has set up home in central city. He has three sons and two grandchildren.
Contact the Mayor
If you would like to contact Bob Parker, he is always interested to hear from you
