After a career in teaching, Hon Margaret Austin was first elected to Parliament in 1984 as the MP for Yaldhurst, serving as Minister of Research, Science and Technology, Internal Affairs, and Arts and Culture (1990).
She previously served as Chancellor of Lincoln University, and Chaired the National Commission of UNESCO, working for the Director General. Margaret was made a Companion of the Royal Society of New Zealand in 2003, and in 2008 was awarded as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM). Her relationship with UNESCO led to working internationally, and eventually international recognition of the importance of astronomy, with the International Dark Sky Association awarding the Aoraki-McKenzie Dark Sky Reserve Gold status.
