Pete Hodgson

The Honourable
Pete Hodgson

Pete Hodgson in 2008
36th Minister of Health
In office
19 October 2005  5 November 2007
Preceded by Annette King
Succeeded by David Cunliffe
Minister of Research, Science and Technology
In office
31 October 2007  3 October 2008
Preceded by Steve Maharey
Succeeded by Wayne Mapp
Minister of Commerce
In office
21 December 2004  19 October 2005
Prime Minister Helen Clark
Preceded by Margaret Wilson
Succeeded by Lianne Dalziel
Member of the New Zealand Parliament
for Dunedin North
In office
27 October 1990  2011
Preceded by Stan Rodger
Succeeded by David Clark
Majority 7,155 (2008)
Personal details
Born (1950-06-13) 13 June 1950
Whangarei, New Zealand
Political party Labour
Spouse(s) married
Children two children
Profession Veterinarian

Peter Colin Hodgson[1] (born 13 June 1950) is a New Zealand politician. He is a member of the Labour Party.

Early life

Hodgson was born in Whangarei, and received a Bachelor's degree in veterinary science from Massey University. He has worked as a veterinarian, a high school teacher, and a fruit and vegetable retailer.

Member of Parliament

Parliament of New Zealand
Years Term Electorate List Party
19901993 43rd Dunedin North Labour
19931996 44th Dunedin North Labour
19961999 45th Dunedin North 30 Labour
19992002 46th Dunedin North 13 Labour
20022005 47th Dunedin North 13 Labour
20052008 48th Dunedin North 12 Labour
20082011 49th Dunedin North 6 Labour

Hodgson joined the Labour Party in 1976, and shortly afterwards became the manager for Stan Rodger's successful campaign in the Dunedin North seat. After holding a number of other Labour Party roles, including that of marginal seats organiser, he was himself nominated to replace Rodger in the 1990 elections. He was successful, and became the MP for Dunedin North.

When the Labour Party formed a government after the 1999 elections, Hodgson was appointed to Cabinet. During Labour's nine years in power, Hodgson's portfolios included Economic Development; Tertiary Education; Research, Science and Technology; Health; Transport; Commerce; Land Information; Statistics; Energy (1999–2004); and Fisheries and Forestry. He was also Associate Minister of Health; Industry and Regional Development; and Foreign Affairs.[2]

In 2001, during the filming of the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy in New Zealand, Hodgson was given the title Minister of the Rings, responsible for investigating methods of capitalising on the boom in tourism to New Zealand that followed the release of the films.[3]

In May 2007, Hodgson briefed the Welsh Labour Party's executive on the practicalities of co-operation between Welsh parties outside a formal coalition, after the 2007 Welsh Assembly elections led to a Labour minority government looking likely.[4]

Labour was defeated in the 2008 general election. Hodgson retained his seat with a majority of 7,155.[5]

In opposition, Hodgson was Labour's "chief dirt-digger and mudslinger". The scandals he exposed caused two government ministers to resign.[6]

Hodgson retired from politics at the end of the 49th Parliament in 2011, after 21 years as the MP for Dunedin North.[7] He was succeeded by Labour's David Clark.

Life after Parliament

In 2013, Hodgson was appointed a member of the Representation Commission to determine New Zealand electoral boundaries.[8]

References

  1. "New Zealand Hansard – Members Sworn [Volume:651;Page:2]". Parliament of New Zealand.
  2. "Hon Pete Hodgson". New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 12 May 2011.
  3. "Minister of the Rings". Retrieved 30 November 2016.
  4. "Coalition 'non-starter' says AM". BBC News. 13 May 2007. Retrieved 13 May 2007.
  5. Dunedin North results 2008.
  6. Bennett, Adam (23 December 2010). "Labour dirt-digger may not hit Key". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 23 December 2010.
  7. Makenzie, Dene (5 June 2010). "Hodgson exits politics on 'own terms'". Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 6 June 2010.
  8. Collins, Judith (3 September 2013). "Representatives chosen to determine electoral boundaries". beehive.govt.nz. Retrieved 13 October 2013.
New Zealand Parliament
Preceded by
Stan Rodger
Member of Parliament for Dunedin North
1990–2011
Succeeded by
David Clark
Political offices
Preceded by
Margaret Wilson
Minister of Commerce
2004–2005
Succeeded by
Lianne Dalziel
Preceded by
Annette King
Minister of Health
2005–2007
Succeeded by
David Cunliffe
Preceded by
Steve Maharey
Minister of Research, Science and Technology
2007–2008
Succeeded by
Wayne Mapp
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