From university debater to public servant: the journey of Carl Bates
Born, raised, and educated in Whanganui, Carl Bates is a fourth-generation Whanganui resident. Before entering Parliament in 2023, Carl built a professional services firm in Africa, serving clients worldwide. His extensive experience includes serving as a director or chairman for numerous companies including in the primary industries, animal health, food safety, manufacturing, retail, health, and education. His deep understanding of business operations and proven track record of success have been integral to his career.
Early education and debating at Massey University
Carl’s time at Massey University significantly influenced his personal and professional development. He completed both a Bachelor of Business Studies (Honours) in Accountancy and a Graduate Diploma in Finance in 2004. Reflecting on his university experience, Carl shares, “I had a great time at Massey, studying some English and drama papers alongside my accounting and finance. I hadn’t intended to do a certificate or anything with those, but chose them as electives. It’s important because as an accountant, having something different to the mix of what I studied at Massey certainly helped me in my professional career.”
Carl was actively involved in the debating society during his university years, where he won a national cup. He fondly recalls that National MPs Chris Bishop and Nicola Willis were debating for Victoria University at the same time. “Debating taught me the importance of community and the power of effective communication,” Carl says.
A newspaper article from when Carl was appointed to the Arena Manawatu Board
Pioneering governance roles
Carl’s governance journey began early. At 18, while still at university, he was appointed director of the Brightwater Centre, a specialised aged-care facility in Palmerston North. Two years later, he was appointed to the board of Arena Manawatū and as a council member of the Universal College of Learning (UCOL). Following time leading the New Zealand Council of Healthcare Standards, he established his own business and spent over a decade working in New Zealand and overseas, predominantly in Africa. This period provided Carl with opportunities to serve as director and chairman for a wide range of international businesses, giving him significant real-world experience and skills.
Carl’s extensive leadership roles have shaped his approach to public service. He believes leadership is a lifelong journey requiring continual development. “A good leader listens, engages, and admits when they’re wrong. My commercial and non-profit experiences have taught me the importance of genuine engagement. The skills required to lead organisations are continually developing, and I think the leader I am today is very different from who I was 20 years ago, when I was a student at Massey University.”
Carl has also shared his extensive knowledge and experience through writing. He authored two books: Traversing the Avalanche: A Practical Guide to the Implementation of Effective Governance for SME Growth and The Laws of Extreme Business Success.
Commitment to public service
As the MP for the Whanganui Electorate (which includes South Taranaki and Stratford), Carl emphasises community engagement. He runs a series called Carl’s Community Connect, holding events in halls, cafes, and libraries across the electorate to engage with constituents. “We must be seen and involved in our communities. I’ve been actively getting out and attending every event I can to engage as widely as possible, to understand people’s challenges, what is hurting them in the back pocket, and what they wanted to see change.”
Carl’s international experience has significantly influenced his perspective on global issues relevant to New Zealand. “I lived on the African continent for 12 years and travelled extensively across pretty poor parts. We can’t become more productive as a nation just selling to ourselves; we’ve got to better understand how to make more things here in New Zealand, whether physical or intellectual property and sell them overseas. I’ve seen how things work successfully and what doesn’t work well. Those insights and that perspective mean that I can effectively contribute in my role as a Member of Parliament here in New Zealand and help ensure that we have better legislation and policy.”
One of Carl’s proudest achievements is The Lockdown Collection (TLC), an initiative he launched during the COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa. TLC was a 48-hour-idea-to-launch initiative to capture the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic through visual artists. “I realised it was going to be a moment in history — who would capture the moment?” Carl shares, “I phoned a friend and talked about how we did this and support vulnerable artists who would be affected by the lockdown. Within 48 hours, we launched The Lockdown Collection, which featured significant art pieces by well-known South African artists or up-and-coming artists. We raised over $400,000 and supported 1,000 vulnerable artists and their families.” At the time, an American Professor wrote that TLC was the most significant artist response to COVID-19 on planet earth.
Top: Carl with his Nana, Grandad and Grandma on election night
Bottom: Graduation photo with Nana June and Grandad Barry
Carl, Candice, Angus and Logan just prior to 2023 election
Lessons from life and philosophy on excellence
A significant experience that shaped Carl’s approach to business and public service was a lesson from his great-grandmother. He borrowed 50 cents from her as a child and later returned it. She told him, “If you had asked me to give you 50 cents, I would have given it to you, but you asked to borrow it, so you have to pay it back.” This lesson on responsibility profoundly impacted Carl and influenced his decision to enter politics. “That moment back when I was a kid has shaped my approach to business personally. More recently, it was a big part of making the decision to get involved in politics, bringing additional real-world and business experience to the backbench of the National team.”
Carl acknowledges the demands of his role but emphasises the importance of family. “Running and swimming help me manage stress. My family and I try to run together on Monday evenings before I head to Wellington,” he shares. As mentioned in his Maiden Speech, Carl’s strong focus on family extends to his great-grandparents and grandparents, who have significantly influenced his life. “It is very demanding and certainly different from anything I’ve done before. Ensuring I maintain some form of balance requires constant focus on looking after my family and myself because I can’t do this job unless they are supporting me and I’m still here.”
Carl has been recognised for business excellence and leadership throughout his career. He was named the Young Business Person of the Year at the 2016 Wellington Regional Business Excellence Awards. In 2022, he became one of the youngest Chartered Fellows of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand.
Carl believes in acknowledging achievements and learning from mistakes. He emphasises, “Own your responsibilities and accept that mistakes happen. There’s been a bit of a culture of giving everyone a certificate for participation. I believe in the recognition and reward for achievement”. That is why Carl is a National Party Member of Parliament.