Don McKinnon

ABOUT DON MCKINNON

After serving as both New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, this National Party politician became fourth Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Before entering politics, he studied at Lincoln Agricultural College and went on to work as both a farm manager and a real estate broker.

He chaired a non-governmental organization known as The Global Panel Foundation-Australasia.

Born in London, England, he grew up as a member of a prominent family: his father, Walter McKinnon, served as New Zealand Chief of General Staff, and one of his brothers, John McKinnon, became New Zealand Secretary of Defense. Don McKinnon's first marriage produced four children; his second marriage -- to Clare de Lore -- resulted in one son.

Upon finishing his term as Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, he was succeeded by New Zealand First Party founder Winston Peters .