Michael Woodhouse MP: Remembering Christchurch one year on

Friday, February 24, 2012

Remembering Christchurch one year on

This week we remember those who lost their lives one year ago in the February 22 earthquake that devastated our second-largest city. It took 185 loved ones from us and injured so many more.

Christchurch – and indeed all of New Zealand – was changed forever that day. But the people of Christchurch have not given up. They know it will be a strong and vibrant city once more.

We have a long journey ahead of us. Progress is being made. Roads are being repaired, sewer and water pipes are being reconnected, reconstruction is underway, and the residential red zone settlement process is moving forward.

Wednesday was a time to pause and reflect. We remembered that day and honoured those who died, those who were injured, those who selflessly went to the aid of their fellow human beings, and those who continue to help get Canterbury back on its feet.

We want the people of Canterbury to know that we admire their resilience and their heart, and will continue to stand beside them as they move forward.

To read the PM’s memorial speech, click here.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Background:

I was most recently the Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Hospital Dunedin, a position I held for 7 ½ years. Previous to that I held senior management positions with ACC, where I was instrumental in implementing ACC’s Elective Services Contracting framework and at Dunedin Hospital in change management, revenue and planning roles.

I was educated at St Pauls High School (now Kavanagh College) and graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. I am a Chartered Accountant and also have a Master of Health Administration from the University of New South Wales.

I was also the President of the NZ Private Surgical Hospitals Association and have also been the Vice President of the NZ Private Hospitals Association, a larger organisation which included the private aged care sector. I am also a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Management and the New Zealand Institute of Directors.

I have been a Rotarian since 2001 and am active in community and voluntary work in the region. I am an avid rugby fan, having played age group representative rugby for Otago and South Island teams and am a premier grade referee as well as a “fair weather” runner. My wife Amanda and I and our three daughters have a crib in Cromwell and in our spare time enjoy the great outdoors of Central Otago.

Responsibilities:

I am a member of the Health Select Committee, and of the Transport and Industrial Relations Select Committee.

I am also a member of the National Party’s Economic and Commerce Caucus Committee.

My Commitment as Your MP:

I firmly believe in the values that underpin the National Party – loyalty, security, equity of opportunity, freedom and choice, limited Government, strong families, caring communities and a sustainable environment.

I commit to maintaining those values and working on your behalf to ensure that these important principles are upheld. Although not an electorate MP, I believe all MPs have a responsibility to represent and advocate for the people in their communities.