Gary Knapp

Gary Thomas Knapp (born 1947) is a former New Zealand politician of the Social Credit Party.

Gary Knapp
3rd Leader of the Democratic Party
In office
1988–1991
Preceded byNeil Morrison
Succeeded byJohn Wright
Member of the New Zealand Parliament
for East Coast Bays
In office
6 September 1980 – 15 August 1987
Preceded byFrank Gill
Succeeded byMurray McCully
Personal details
Born1947 (age 72–73)
Political partySocial Credit (1978–1985)
Democrats (1985–1996)
Other political
affiliations		New Zealand First

Political career
New Zealand Parliament
Years Term Electorate Party
1980–1981 39th East Coast Bays Social Credit
1981–1984 40th East Coast Bays Social Credit
1984–1985 41st East Coast Bays Social Credit
1985–1987 Changed allegiance to: Democrats

He became Member of Parliament for East Coast Bays in 1980 when he defeated National candidate Don Brash in the 1980 by-election caused by the resignation of the sitting National MP. Knapp joined Bruce Beetham in parliament, where they both had high profiles.

In the 1984 election, while Beetham lost Rangitikei to a National Party challenger, Knapp retained East Coast Bays, and another Social Credit candidate, Neil Morrison, won Pakuranga. Beetham continued as leader despite losing his seat and in 1985 Knapp failed to convince him to stand aside. Knapp resigned as deputy leader in protest.[1]

But in the 1987 election Knapp and Morrison were both defeated by National candidates, see Social Credit Party (New Zealand). Knapp also stood in the 1990 election without success.

Knapp was always critical of the Democrats decision to join the Alliance which he charged with overwhelming the Democrats identity due to being dominated by the NewLabour Party and in 1996 he quit the party.[2] Following his breaking with the Democrats he was involved with New Zealand First.[3]

Notes
  1. Atkinson, Neill. "Beetham, Bruce Craig". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  2. Laugsen, Ruth (12 February 1996). "Knapp quits Democrat Party". The Dominion. p. 2.
  3. Speden, Graeme (9 February 1996). "Knapp poised to lead defection to NZ First". The Dominion. p. 2.
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References
  • Wilson, James Oakley (1985) [First published in 1913]. New Zealand Parliamentary Record, 1840–1984 (4th ed.). Wellington: V.R. Ward, Govt. Printer. OCLC 154283103.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
New Zealand Parliament
Preceded by
Frank Gill		 Member of Parliament for East Coast Bays
1980–1987		 Succeeded by
Murray McCully
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