Michael Woodhouse MP: Kiwifruit vine disease

Friday, November 12, 2010

Kiwifruit vine disease

We’re treating the discovery of PSA kiwifruit vine disease in the Bay of Plenty very seriously. The immediate focus is on determining how widely spread PSA is, and if containment is possible. Movement restrictions have been placed on all affected orchards. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is working closely with the industry, and considerable resources are being made available.

Kiwifruit growers are obviously very worried about the situation. It’s encouraging that all primary sector stakeholders are supporting the industry and Government as we work out exactly what we are dealing with.

PSA is spread by pollen, heavy rainfall, strong winds, animals and humans, and seems only to attack under certain environmental conditions. There is no human or animal health risk and no effect on other plants. Kiwifruit remains safe to eat.

Biosecurity Minister David Carter has already met with industry representatives and growers in the region. An additional 20 MAF contractors have been deployed to help with the response.

More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/minister+updates+kiwifruit+disease+action

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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.