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Simon O'Connor MP
Chair, Health Select Committee, Auckland, NZ
In 2011, Simon was elected as the Member of Parliament for Tamaki.  Prior to his election, his background included a broad range of experiences from the commercial, public, and voluntary sectors.

Simon was educated at the University of Auckland and earned several degrees there, most recently, a Masters of Political Studies in 2010, which he undertook while working full-time.

Between 1995 and 2004, Simon trained to become a Catholic priest.  Though he completed his training, he did not seek ordination.  Instead, he sought wider involvement in the community to make a practical, hands-on difference.

In 2014, Simon was re-elected in Tamaki and made Chair of the Health Select Committee in Parliament.


The Role of the Health Select Committee in Improving the Nation’s Healthcare Outcomes

Nine Members of Parliament make up the Health Select Committee in Parliament. Simon O’Connor, Member of Parliament for Tamaki and Chair of the Committee, will address its function and methods of operation, as well as making suggestions of how to effectively engage with the committee and parliament.

Simon will outline the differences between some of the committee’s key responsibilities. He will discuss the nature of its role in examining legislation, undertaking enquiries, and reviewing petitions. He will also outline how various sector groups can contribute to this work.

Finally, Simon will consider how sector groups can better engage with MPs and work with the committee to enhance the profile of their organisations. While direct contact with the Minister can be very positive, engaging with other MPs can be very productive in the short term and a good foundation for long term considerations.