Hon Grant Robertson was born in Palmerston North and lived in Hastings before his family settled in Dunedin. He studied politics at Otago University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours, and was the President of the Otago University Students’ Association and Co-President of the New Zealand University Students Association.

Grant joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 1997 where he managed the New Zealand Overseas Aid Programme to Samoa. He was then posted to the United Nations in New York, working on global environment and development issues. On his return to New Zealand, Grant became an advisor to former Prime Minister Helen Clark. 

He has been the Member of Parliament for Wellington Central since November 2008. He was appointed Deputy Prime Minister in the 2020 Labour Government, alongside Minister of Finance, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Racing, and Minister for Sport and Recreation.

He met his partner Alf in 1998 playing rugby and their family now includes four grandchildren.