Pete Hodgson

The Honourable Pete Hodgson
File:Pete Hodgson XMediaLab 2008.jpg 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 (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
1990–1993	43rd	Dunedin North		Labour
1993–1996	44th	Dunedin North		Labour
1996–1999	45th	Dunedin North	30	Labour
1999–2002	46th	Dunedin North	13	Labour
2002–2005	47th	Dunedin North	13	Labour
2005–2008	48th	Dunedin North	12	Labour
2008–2011	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.

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.

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

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

Hodgson retired from politics at the end of the 49th Parliament in 2011, after 21 years as the MP for Dunedin North. 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.

External links

• Media related to at Wikimedia Commons
• Pete Hodgson at the New Zealand Parliament website

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