Welcome to my website. It’s really important to me that the most important feature of a robust democracy – clear lines of communication between the public and our MPs – is maintained. This website is one way of providing that communication. I welcome your ideas and contributions. Here is where you can also keep up to date with the activities of your representative in Government based in Dunedin.
I am the National Member of Parliament based in Dunedin and am happy to meet with all Dunedin residents. Please contact my Dunedin office for an appointment. As I spend considerable time away from home there may be a delay in meeting you. I appreciate your patience.
I love Dunedin. It is the place of my birth, upbringing and education, and I have spent most of my adult life here. I’m passionate about ensuring Dunedin achieves all it can, and will be a strong advocate for the city to Central Government.
Lastest News:
Media Release: Crime down 11.9 per cent in Dunedin and Clutha
Media Release: Social services funding great news for Dunedin
Michael speaking on the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill - Third Reading
Michael speaking on the Spending Cap (People's Veto) Bill - First Reading
Column: It's the final countdown!
Media Release: Dunedin organisations to receive Ministry of Education LEOTC contracts worth $121,000
Read the latest edition of my newsletter, Blue&Gold: August 2011
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 currently a member of the Finance and Expenditure 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 and the Health and Social Services Caucus Committee. Up until June 2011, I was a member of the Health Select 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. I look forward to your enquiries and issues being raised with my office, and my staff Yvette, Cindi and Sue will be only too happy to help.
