New Zealand’s Prime Minister, 56yr old Helen Clark known as "Mother of the House" was inaugurated 27 November 1999. She's the 2nd female Prime Minister and was reelected prime minister in both 2002 and 2005, the first New Zealand prime minister to secure three consecutive terms in office. Helen is a remarkable story, which began, in New Zealand's provincial, conservative heartland; born into humble beginnings Helen spent her first twelve years on the family sheep and cattle farm. It was during her time at university that Helen Clark's active involvement in politics began, sparked by issues such as the civil war in Vietnam, apartheid in South Africa, and nuclear testing in the South Pacific. With a bachelor's and master's degrees in political science, her rise to the top of New Zealand politics is the culmination of almost thirty years of involvement with the Labour Party. As prime minister, Clark addressed many controversial issues, including Maori rights, same-sex civil unions, and prostitution, which was legalized in 2003. Her government also opposed the U.S. and British invasion of Iraq in the Second Persian Gulf War.