Michael Woodhouse MP: The Digital Switchover

Friday, September 17, 2010

The Digital Switchover

National announced this week progressive switch to digital television will be completed by 2013.

Freeview, SKY and TelstraClear already provide digital television. Currently 70 percent of New Zealand households with televisions already receive a digital television signal.

The switchover means all New Zealanders will receive better reception, better picture quality, and more channels. To make the switch, most people will only need a set-top box, currently retailing for between $150 and $200. It is easily installed by plugging into the back of the television, and plugging the aerial lead into the set-top box.

The switchover also provides opportunities to introduce other technology, such as mobile phone 4G technology. This means New Zealanders will get access to faster mobile broadband services, and with improved coverage.

Digital switchover will be phased starting with Hawke’s Bay and the West Coast in September 2012. The rest of the country will switch over in three stages with an end date of November 2013.

More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/switchover+digital+television+2013

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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.