Pete Hodgson

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

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
21st Minister of Research, Science and Technology
In office 31 October 2007 – 3 October 2008
Preceded by	Steve Maharey
Succeeded by	Wayne Mapp
In office 10 December 1999 – 21 December 2004
Preceded by	Maurice Williamson
Succeeded by	Steve Maharey
8th 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	13 June 1950 Whangarei, New Zealand
Political party	Labour
Children	2
Profession	Veterinarian

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

New Zealand Parliament
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 election. He was successful, and became the MP for Dunedin North.

In November 1990 he was appointed as Labour's spokesperson for Science & Technology and Planning by Labour leader Mike Moore.[2]

When the Labour Party formed a government after the 1999 election, 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.[3]

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.[4]

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.[5]

Labour was defeated in the 2008 general election. Hodgson retained his seat with a majority of 7,155.[6]

In opposition, Hodgson was Labour's "chief dirt-digger and mudslinger". The scandals he exposed caused two government ministers to resign.[7]

Hodgson retired from politics at the end of the 49th Parliament in 2011, after 21 years as the MP for Dunedin North.[8] 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.[9]

References

1. "New Zealand Hansard – Members Sworn [Volume:651;Page:2]". New Zealand Parliament.
2. "All Labour's 29 MPs get areas of responsibility". Otago Daily Times. 28 November 1990. p. 4.
3. "Hon Pete Hodgson". New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 12 May 2011.
4. "Minister of the Rings". The New Zealand Herald. 6 September 2011. Retrieved 11 November 2019.
5. "Coalition 'non-starter' says AM". BBC News. 13 May 2007. Retrieved 13 May 2007.
6. Dunedin North results 2008. Archived 11 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine
7. Bennett, Adam (23 December 2010). "Labour dirt-digger may not hit Key". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 23 December 2010.
8. Makenzie, Dene (5 June 2010). "Hodgson exits politics on 'own terms'". Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 6 June 2010.
9. Collins, Judith (3 September 2013). "Representatives chosen to determine electoral boundaries". beehive.govt.nz. Retrieved 13 October 2013.

External links

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