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Hon Jo Goodhew

Now a Minister in the 2011-2014 National-led Government, Jo was elected as the Member of Parliament for Rangitata in 2008, having been elected to Parliament as the MP for Aoraki in 2005.

Jo was born and schooled within South Canterbury where she grew up on a local farm. She qualified as a registered nurse in 1982 and has practised throughout New Zealand and in London in both hospitals and in general practice. She gained a Bachelor of Nursing degree in 1995. Her professional involvement has extended to tutoring in Health Sciences at the Aoraki Polytechnic, acting as recruitment coordinator for Breastscreen South Ltd., and she was also the founder of the Aorangi Nursing Agency.

Jo was employed as a coordinator for the Timaru Safer Community Council immediately prior to campaigning for the Aoraki seat.

Her extensive voluntary community involvement has included membership in a large number of organisations, including the South Canterbury DHB - Community and Public Health Committee, the Craighead Diocesan School Board of Trustees, the Timaru Multiple Birth Club; and a previous Chair of the Waimataitai School BOT, a former Timaru Plunket Branch President and chair of the Aoraki Community Organisation Grants Scheme. She also has a history of involvement with Victim Support as a volunteer and team leader. In the 1980s Jo represented Young Farmers Clubs on exchange to Australia and was one of two New Zealand exchangees to the UK in 1984.

Jo is married to Mark, and they have three daughters studying at university. She likes to read, regularly exercise and occasionally finds time to ski.