# Ben Clark > New Zealand programmer and political candidate **Wikidata**: [Q125754781](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q125754781) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ben-clark ## Summary Ben Clark is a New Zealand programmer and political candidate known for his involvement with the New Zealand Labour Party. In the 2011 general election, he stood as a candidate for the North Shore electorate and was listed as a party list candidate. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Otago. ## Biography * **Born:** Auckland, New Zealand * **Nationality:** New Zealand * **Education:** Saint Kentigern College; University of Otago (Bachelor of Science in Computer Science) * **Known for:** Candidacy in the 2011 New Zealand general election; career in software engineering * **Field(s):** Computer Software, Politics ## Contributions Ben Clark’s primary public contribution detailed in the provided records is his participation in the New Zealand political landscape as a representative of the Labour Party. In 2011, he campaigned for the North Shore electorate in the New Zealand general election. During this campaign, he secured 7,481 votes, placing second in the race. Concurrently, he was selected as a list candidate for the Labour Party, ranked 69th on the party list. His professional background is rooted in the technology sector. Identified as a programmer and software engineer, Clark possesses academic qualifications in computer science. His career trajectory combines technical expertise in software development with an engagement in civic processes. While specific software projects are not detailed in the provided sources, his formal classification as a programmer and software engineer indicates a contribution to the technology sector in New Zealand. His candidacy was notably linked with his brother, David Clark, in a campaign referred to as the "Clark brothers" run for Labour seats. ## FAQs ### Q: What political party does Ben Clark represent? A: Ben Clark is a member of the New Zealand Labour Party, for whom he stood as a candidate in the 2011 general election. ### Q: Who is Ben Clark's sibling? A: Ben Clark is the brother of David Clark, who is also involved in New Zealand politics and the Labour Party. ### Q: What was the result of Ben Clark's 2011 election campaign? A: In the 2011 New Zealand general election, Ben Clark contested the North Shore electorate. He received 7,481 votes, finishing in second place. ### Q: Where was Ben Clark educated? A: Ben Clark attended Saint Kentigern College and later graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. ## Why They Matter Ben Clark represents a demographic of professionals who bridge the gap between the technology sector and political service. His candidacy in the 2011 election highlights the Labour Party's engagement with individuals possessing technical and scientific backgrounds. By running for the North Shore electorate and appearing on the party list, Clark participated in a significant democratic process, contributing to the political discourse in New Zealand. His relevance is further contextualized by his family connection to David Clark; the simultaneous candidacies of the "Clark brothers" garnered specific media attention, illustrating a family commitment to political representation. Although he did not win the electorate seat, his vote count of over 7,000 demonstrates a tangible level of public support. His career as a programmer underscores the increasing presence of tech-focused professionals in the political arena. ## Notable For * **Labour Party Candidate:** Stood for the North Shore electorate in the 2011 New Zealand general election. * **List Candidate:** Ranked 69th on the New Zealand Labour Party list in 2011. * **Election Performance:** Polled 7,481 votes in the North Shore electorate, placing second. * **Academic Background:** Holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Otago. * **Family Connection:** Brother of David Clark, a fellow Labour Party politician. ## Body ### Early Life and Education Ben Clark was born in Auckland, New Zealand. He received his secondary education at Saint Kentigern College. Subsequently, he attended the University of Otago, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree with a focus on computer science. ### Professional Background Clark is identified professionally as a programmer and software engineer. This classification places him within the field of software development, involving the writing of computer software and the practice of software engineering. ### Political Career Clark's most documented public activity is his candidacy during the 2011 New Zealand general election. * **Electorate Candidacy:** He contested the North Shore constituency under the New Zealand Labour Party banner. * **Results:** He placed second in the electorate race with a total of 7,481 votes. * **Party List:** In addition to his electorate run, he was ranked 69th on the Labour Party's nationwide list. * **Campaign:** His candidacy was noted in the press as part of a coordinated effort with his brother, David Clark, often referred to as the "Clark brothers." ### Personal Details * **Citizenship:** New Zealand * **Languages:** New Zealand English * **Gender:** Male ## References 1. [Clark brothers both after Labour seats. Otago Daily Times. 2010](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/politics/clark-brothers-both-after-labour-seats) 2. [Source](https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2011/electorate-32.html)