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 List Member of Parliament based in Dunedin and am happy to meet with all Dunedin residents. Please contact my Dunedin office for an appointment. Due to my commitments in Parliament in Wellington, I spend a considerable amount of time away from home and as a result, there may be a delay in meeting you. I appreciate your patience and understanding with this.
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:
Read press releases and speeches relating to my ministerial portfolios here
Read my latest newsletter: Blue&Gold: April 2013
Michael speaking in the Debate on the Prime Minister's Statement 2013
Joint Media Release: MPs welcome warmer drier homes in Otago
Watch my latest interview on Channel 9 here.
Read my latest newsletter: Blue&Gold: November 2012
Michael speaking on the Land Transport (Admissibility of Evidential Breath Tests) Amendment Bill
Column: Vulnerable Children White Paper – Have Your Say
Michael speaking in the General Debate
Background
Before being elected to Parliament in the 2008 General Election, I was 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
In January 2013, I was appointed the Minister of Immigration, Minister of Veterans' Affairs and Associate Minister of Transport. Prior to this, I held the role of Senior Government Whip since the 2011 General election, in which I was responsible for ensuring members of the National Party were present in the parliamentary precinct to support a question which goes to the vote, as well as ensuring we had the numbers in select committees, organising the party caucus, admin of funding and finance, representing the party at committees or meetings and managing of political issues.
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.
