Michael Woodhouse
had his sights set on trying to win a seat in Parliament at
the 2011 general election, but the sudden retirement of
National list MP Katherine Rich has changed all that.
Mr Woodhouse, the chief executive of Dunedin's Mercy
Hospital, was yesterday named as the National Party candidate
for Dunedin North to contest this year's election.
He said last night he had been prepared to support Mrs Rich's
campaign, and knew she would now be supporting his.
‘‘There is no doubt she will be a loss to the party and to
the country . . . but I will be doing my very best to
increase the party vote in North Dunedin, and to win the
seat.''
Mrs Rich is retiring from politics to spend more time with
her family.
Mr Woodhouse (42) said he and his wife, Amanda, who had three
young children, had thought ‘‘long and hard'' before
accepting the party selection.
‘‘As an MP, you need to commit to the role, and it can be
all-consuming. I have an incredibly supportive wife and we
haven't taken this decision lightly.''
Mr Woodhouse was born in Dunedin and educated at St Pauls
High School (now Kavanagh College).
He has a bachelor of commerce degree from the University of
Otago and as a chartered accountant has held senior manager
roles at ACC and Dunedin Hospital.
He was elected president of New Zealand Private Surgical
Hospitals Association last year and is one of Otago's most
experienced rugby referees, as well as a ‘‘fair weather''
runner.
