Woodcock, Michael
Michael is a first time candidate standing for the Green Party in the Wairarapa electorate. He says: “Not aiming to be in parliament means I can keep focused on the big picture - that the Greens need to be a part of the political mix, both nationally and globally if humanity is going to find solutions to the environmental and social justice issues that face us.
My motivation to stand comes from my grandchildren. I want them to inherit a better world than we seem prepared to leave them. I want to be able to look them in the eye when they ask, “Granddad what did you do to make a difference? If Wairarapa voters party vote Green this election they too will make a difference.”
Background
Born and raised in Upper Hutt. Michael was told from an early age at school that he would never be academic, so attending university was never something Michael thought he could or would do. On leaving school he worked as a storeman, a solider in the NZ Army for a short time, followed by a fair stint as a rubber worker.
It was at this time he attended university part time as a young mature student which changed his life and opened up new possibilities. He began to realise that all things are political and became active in the anti nuclear movement, and with the Rubber Workers’ union.
He later moved into a career in sales for about 12 years before returning to university to complete a post graduate marketing qualification and has been in marketing type roles ever since. Michael and his wife have lived in rural Carterton for 14 years.
Achievements
Michael was active in the anti nuclear campaign of the 80’s with CND and played an role in encouraging the Upper Hutt City Council to declare itself nuclear free.
He was a volunteer for four years with Hutt Men for Non Violence facilitating groups during the early days of stopping violence programmes for men.
On joining the Green Party in 1998 he re-established the Wairarapa branch which had been in recess for 5 years. At the same time he started the ‘small green network’ which was a broad cross-section of Wairarapa residents who had an interest in green issues but did not necessarily want to belong to a political party.
Michael says that their small farm is his living thesis, proud that he has converted two large rock riddled conventionally farmed paddocks into a diverse organic farm with extensive tree planting.
“But if I’m remembered for being a good husband, step parent and doting grandfather, then those would be the achievements that truly matter,” says Michael.
Community involvements
Currently Michael works for the NZ Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations as the manager for fundraising, membership and a variety of project work. He feels that working in the community and voluntary sector has allowed him for the first time to align many of his core values with his employment. One project he is working on is Workplace Wellbeing which includes facilitating workshops on good workplace employment practice.
He is a member of Wairarapa Organics and has served on its board. He was an active committee member and chairperson for his local community hall and is a member of Forest & Bird. He is currently the convenor of the board for the Green party magazine – Te Awa.
Interests/Hobbies
Michael is a keen fly fisherman and amateur photographer. He had his first solo exhibition in 2007 titled In the Neighbourhood. Commuting to Wellington for work and living on a 27 acre organic farm means there is always something to do.
Contact
Phone: 06 379 7008
Mobile: 027 697 9579
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