Chris Finlayson was born in Wellington in 1956. He attended St Benedict's School in Khandallah and St Patrick's College Wellington where he was Head Prefect in 1974. That year Chris first joined the National Party and, since that time, has been very active in the Party. At various stages of his career, he has been a Branch, Electorate and Regional Chair. He has also served on the Rules Committee of the National Party and as the Chairman of the Policy Consultation Committee.
After college, Chris attended Victoria University, Wellington, where he graduated with a BA in Latin and French and a Masters Degree in Law. For twenty-five years he has practised law in Wellington, first in a firm called Brandons where he was a partner for a number of years then, from 1990 - 2002 as a partner in Bell Gully in Wellington. In 2003 Chris became a barrister sole.
Over the years, Chris has represented clients in all of New Zealand's Courts and Tribunals, including nine appearances in the Privy Council. He is currently a member of the Rules Committee of the High Court. This Committee regulates court procedures in New Zealand. For many years he maintained his links to academic life through part-time teaching at Victoria University's Law Faculty.
Chris served on Creative New Zealand's Board for six years and Chaired the Arts Board from 1998 - 2001. He was also a Trustee of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Foundation and is well known for his sponsorship of the arts.
