Michael Woodhouse MP: Building a stronger primary sector

Monday, November 14, 2011

Building a stronger primary sector

The primary sector is the backbone of our economy. National is proud to champion our farmers and growers. We’re delivering the solutions needed for an innovative, prosperous, and competitive rural sector, and we’re working hard to improve its performance.

We will establish the Crown Water Investment Company and provide up to $400 million from the Future Investment Fund to make equity investments in well-designed irrigation projects that help increase productivity, grow our rural economy, and create jobs.

We have already received proposals for our $35 million Irrigation Acceleration Fund to support the development of irrigation proposals to the ‘investment-ready’ prospectus stage.

The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research suggests this could boost exports $1.4 billion a year by 2018.

We are also reducing ACC levies for our rural businesses – including a 21.3% reduction for dairy farming and 13.8% reduction for sheep and beef farming in April 2012.

For more information, click here.

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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.