Michael Woodhouse MP: New path for social housing

Monday, November 1, 2010

New path for social housing

Recommendations from the Housing Shareholders Advisory Group for a different approach to the delivery of social and state housing are being considered by Government.

The state housing model is not providing for those most in need. Despite record levels of investment, the Housing New Zealand waiting list remains static at 10,000 people, of which more than 4000 are classified as high priority. National is very concerned about those families on the waiting list who are in significant need while Housing New Zealand is maintaining thousands of old houses that are the wrong size, often in the wrong areas, and 5000 of which are occupied by tenants who could afford rent privately.

If the Government were to adopt new policies, such as the introduction of reviewable tenancies, it is likely these would be introduced for new tenants. The elderly and the infirm will not be adversely affected by any changes.

More information:
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government+consider+new+path+social+housing

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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.