Megan Woods (born 1973) is a New Zealand politician and a member of the Labour Party. She has served as a Member of Parliament for the electorate of Wigram since 2011. Woods held significant ministerial portfolios in the Sixth Labour Government under Prime Ministers Jacinda Ardern and Chris Hipkins.
Early Life and Education
Woods was born in 1973 in Waimate, New Zealand. She attended the University of Canterbury, where she completed a PhD in history. Her doctoral research focused on the economic and social history of the rural South Island. Prior to entering politics, she worked as an academic and a research manager.Political Career
Woods was first elected to the New Zealand Parliament in the 2011 general election, representing the Wigram electorate in Christchurch. She retained the seat in subsequent elections in 2014, 2017, 2020, and 2023.Following the Labour Party's victory in the 2017 general election, Woods was appointed to Cabinet. Her key ministerial roles included:
- Minister of Energy and Resources (2017–2023)
- Minister of Housing (2017–2023)
- Minister for Research, Science and Innovation (2017–2023)
- Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration (2017–2020)
- Minister of Infrastructure (2020–2023)
- Associate Minister of Finance (2020–2023)
- Minister for Building and Construction (2023)
In her role as Minister of Energy and Resources, Woods oversaw significant policy changes related to the country's energy transition, including the ban on new offshore oil and gas exploration permits. As Minister of Housing, she addressed issues related to housing affordability and supply. Her tenure also included responding to and rebuilding efforts in Christchurch.
After the Labour Party lost the 2023 general election, Woods moved into opposition. She currently holds shadow portfolios including Housing, Energy, Resources, and Just Transition, and serves as the Shadow Leader of the House.