Minister elected Honorary Life Member

Media Release

24 November 2014

Minister elected Honorary Life Member

Arthritis New Zealand was delighted that at their AGM on Saturday, members unanimously elected Hon Michael Woodhouse an Honorary Life Member. Honorary Life Memberships are awarded to persons who have rendered outstanding service to Arthritis New Zealand.

Michael developed psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, as a young man. These are both forms of inflammatory arthritis that may cause joint pain and swelling or inflammation of the soft tissues around the vertebrae.

Despite the challenges of his condition he maintained full time work, and played age group representative rugby for Otago and the South Island. He is now a premier grade rugby referee, and a keen runner.

Michael’s interest in politics saw him being elected to Parliament as a List MP in 2008. He is currently Minister of Immigration, Police, and Workplace Relations and Safety. As a MP he has a public profile which he has used to support Arthritis New Zealand activities for several years. In 2010, Arthritis New Zealand approached Michael Woodhouse, MP, to help create a Parliament Friends of Arthritis Group. They have hosted functions that have included everything from taking a racing car to Parliament to hosting Suzanne Prentice and her band.

Honorary Life membership is a truly worthy recognition of Michael’s tireless efforts to raise the profile of arthritis as a condition that can affect anyone at any age.

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