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{{short description|New Zealand politician}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2015}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=September 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2015}} {{Use New Zealand English|date=September 2015}}
{{Infobox MP
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix = [[The Honourable]]
| honorific-prefix = [[The Honourable]]
| name = Heather Roy
| name = Heather Roy
| honorific-suffix =
| honorific-suffix =
| image =
| image = Heather Roy.jpg
| order = Minister of Consumer Affairs
| order = Minister of Consumer Affairs
| term_start = 19 November 2008
| term_start = 19 November 2008
| term_end = 17 August 2010
| term_end = 17 August 2010
| primeminister = [[John Key]]
| primeminister = [[John Key]]
| predecessor = [[Judith Tizard]]
| predecessor = [[Judith Tizard]]
| successor = [[John Boscawen]]
| successor = [[John Boscawen]]
| order2 = Deputy Leader of [[ACT Party]]
| order2 = Deputy Leader of [[ACT Party]]
| term_start2 = 2006
| term_start2 = 2006
| term_end2 = 2010
| term_end2 = 2010
| leader2 = [[Rodney Hide]]
| leader2 = [[Rodney Hide]]
| predecessor2 = [[Muriel Newman]]
| predecessor2 = [[Muriel Newman]]
| successor2 = [[John Boscawen]]
| successor2 = [[John Boscawen]]
| constituency_MP3 = [[ACT Party]] List
| constituency_MP3 = [[ACT Party]] List
| parliament3 = New Zealand
| parliament3 = New Zealand
| majority3 =
| majority3 =
| predecessor3 =
| predecessor3 =
| successor3 =
| successor3 =
| term_start3 = 2002
| term_start3 = 2002
| term_end3 = 2011
| term_end3 = 2011
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1964|3|5|df=y}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1964|3|5|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Palmerston, New Zealand|Palmerston]], [[Otago]]
| birth_place = [[Palmerston, New Zealand|Palmerston]], [[Otago]]
| death_date =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_place =
| nationality = New Zealand
| nationality = New Zealand
| spouse = Duncan Roy
| spouse = Duncan Roy
| party = [[ACT Party]]
| party = [[ACT Party]]
| relations =
| relations =
| children = 5
| children = 5
| residence =
| residence =
| alma_mater =
| alma_mater =
| occupation = [[Physiotherapist]], [[Member of parliament|Member of Parliament]], [[New Zealand Army|New Zealand Army Reserve]]
| occupation = [[Physiotherapist]], [[Member of parliament|Member of Parliament]], [[New Zealand Army|New Zealand Army Reserve]]
| profession =
| profession =
| religion =
| religion =
| signature =
| signature =
| website =
| website =
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
}}
}}


'''Heather Roy''' (born 5 March 1964), is a former New Zealand [[politician]] who served as an [[ACT New Zealand|ACT]] [[Member of parliament|Member of Parliament]] from 2002 until 2011.
'''Heather Roy''' (born 5 March 1964) is a former New Zealand politician. She was a [[Member of parliament|Member of Parliament]] for [[ACT New Zealand]] from 2002 until 2011.


Roy was the deputy leader of ACT New Zealand from 17 September 2005 to 17 August 2010. She was also [[Minister of Consumer Affairs (New Zealand)|Minister of Consumer Affairs]] in the [[John Key]]-led [[Fifth National Government of New Zealand|National Government]] from 19 November 2008 until 17 August 2010.
From 2006 until 17 August 2010, Roy was ACT's Deputy Leader. Following the signing of the National–ACT Supply and Confidence Agreement after the [[New Zealand general election, 2008|2008 general election]] she was appointed as Minister (outside Cabinet) of Consumer Affairs, as well as Associate Minister of Defence and Associate Minister of Education. On 17 August 2010, Roy was replaced as Deputy Leader by first term ACT MP John Boscawen who took over her primary Ministerial role. In June 2011, Roy announced that she would retire at the [[New Zealand general election, 2011|2011 general election]].<ref name="Stuff.co.nz_5191845" />


==Early life==
==Early life, career and family==
Roy grew up in [[Palmerston, New Zealand|Palmerston, Otago]] as the eldest of six children.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2023-11-08 |title=Michele Hewitson Interview: Heather Roy |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/imichele-hewitson-interviewi-heather-roy/CLGZ2VAOQDRXG36ELIG4YKFHMU/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref> She was the deputy head girl and, later, head girl at her secondary school.<ref name=":0" /> She studied for a diploma in physiotherapy at [[Otago Polytechnic]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Roy, Heather - New Zealand Parliament |url=https://www.parliament.nz/mi/mps-and-electorates/former-members-of-parliament/roy-heather/ |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=www.parliament.nz |language=en}}</ref> She was introduced to politics in 1984 at the age of 20 when she met her husband Duncan Roy, who at that time was the [[New Zealand Party]] candidate for [[Awarua (New Zealand electorate)|Awarua]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Valedictory Statements - New Zealand Parliament |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/49HansD_20110929_00000877/valedictory-statements |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=www.parliament.nz |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2023-11-08 |title=Heather Roy, Act party, List - New Zealand News |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/heather-roy-act-party-list/WHZF3VCR6JBDZXLNCGINPJCSTQ/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref> The Roys have five children.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />
Before entering politics, Roy worked as a [[physiotherapist]], medical research co-ordinator, manager of a private kindergarten and as publicity officer for the [[New Zealand Portrait Gallery]]. Following her retirement from Parliament, Roy is now non-executive Chair of Medicines New Zealand and has also resumed her role as a Reserve Forces field engineer in the [[New Zealand Army]].

Before entering politics, Roy worked as a [[physiotherapist]], medical research co-ordinator, manager of a private kindergarten and as publicity officer for the [[New Zealand Portrait Gallery]]. In 2006, she completed basic and corps training as a reserve forces field engineer ([[Corps of Royal New Zealand Engineers|Royal New Zealand Engineers]]) within the [[New Zealand Army]].<ref>{{cite web |date=21 April 2006 |title=Army life looks good to Act MP |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/army-life-looks-good-to-act-mp/PBGOPGCTSMC5NKEVQMLE76SE2Y/ |access-date=31 October 2021 |publisher=New Zealand Herald}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=9 June 2006 |title=Soldier MP to share new skills with House |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/soldier-mp-to-share-new-skills-with-house/LRX6RMKTOZ4Y4QBXW55YHFM7FE/ |access-date=31 October 2021 |publisher=New Zealand Herald}}</ref>


==Member of Parliament==
==Member of Parliament==
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{{NZ parlbox|start={{NZ election link year|2005}}|end=2008|term=48th|party=ACT New Zealand|electorate=List|list=2}}
{{NZ parlbox|start={{NZ election link year|2005}}|end=2008|term=48th|party=ACT New Zealand|electorate=List|list=2}}
{{NZ parlbox|start={{NZ election link year|2008}}|end=2011|term=49th|party=ACT New Zealand|electorate=List|list=2}}
{{NZ parlbox|start={{NZ election link year|2008}}|end=2011|term=49th|party=ACT New Zealand|electorate=List|list=2}}
{{NZ parlbox footer}}Roy first contested Parliament as a list-only candidate at the [[1999 New Zealand general election|1999 general election]], where she was ranked 10th on the [[ACT New Zealand]] list. ACT only won enough support for nine MPs so Roy was unsuccessful.
{{NZ parlbox footer}}
In the [[New Zealand general election, 1999|1999 elections]] ACT ranked her tenth on its [[party list]], and she narrowly missed out on a seat in [[New Zealand Parliament|Parliament]]. In the [[New Zealand general election, 2002|2002 elections]], however, ranked ninth, she won election as a [[party list proportional representation|list MP]]. She also contested the [[United Future New Zealand|United Future]] [[safe seat]] of [[Ohariu-Belmont (New Zealand electorate)|Ohariu-Belmont]], polling fifth.<ref>[http://electionresults.org.nz/electionresults_2002/electorate-36.html Official Count Results &ndash; Ohariu-Belmont]</ref>


=== In Opposition ===
In June 2005, she won promotion from ninth list position to second – even before she became the [[ACT New Zealand|party]]'s deputy leader. In the [[New Zealand general election, 2005|2005 elections]], she again campaigned for ACT party vote and accompanied Rodney Hide through much of his Epsom campaign. However, she also stood in [[Ohariu-Belmont (New Zealand electorate)|Ohariu-Belmont]], coming fifth.<ref>[http://electionresults.org.nz/electionresults_2005/electorate-36.html Official Count Results &ndash; Ohariu-Belmont]</ref>
At the [[2002 New Zealand general election|2002 general election]], she contested the electorate of [[Ohariu-Belmont (New Zealand electorate)|Ohariu-Belmont]], where she finished fifth behind incumbent [[Peter Dunne]].<ref>[http://electionresults.org.nz/electionresults_2002/electorate-36.html Official Count Results – Ohariu-Belmont]</ref> With an improved list position of 9 and ACT holding its support from the previous election, Roy was elected for the first time. In her maiden speech, Roy talked of her "fervent" belief in the [[Liberalism|liberal]] ideals of "freedom of market, of mind, and of body".<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=3 September 2002 |title=Heather Roy: Maiden Speech |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0209/S00038/heather-roy-maiden-speech.htm |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=www.scoop.co.nz}}</ref> In her first term, Roy was ACT spokesperson for ACC; arts, culture and heritage; family; health; internal affairs, occupational safety and health; senior citizens; women; and youth.<ref name=":1" /> She was also a member of Parliament's health select committee.<ref name=":1" />


For the 2005 general election, Roy was placed second on the ACT party list, ahead of its deputy leader [[Muriel Newman]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-08 |title=Former Treasury head No 5 on Act party list |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/former-treasury-head-no-5-on-act-party-list/OFHSGF44Y7KCXFOPKGJ3HUQHLI/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=ACT New Zealand |title=ACT releases its Party List for 2005 election |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0506/S00247/act-releases-its-party-list-for-2005-election.htm?from-mobile=bottom-link-01 |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=www.scoop.co.nz}}</ref> Roy contested but lost [[Ohariu-Belmont (New Zealand electorate)|Ohariu-Belmont]],<ref>[http://electionresults.org.nz/electionresults_2005/electorate-36.html Official Count Results – Ohariu-Belmont]</ref> and was re-elected on the party list. ACT only secured two positions in Parliament, so Roy became the party's deputy leader, whip, and national security spokesperson.<ref name=":1" /> For her second term, she served on the social services committee.<ref name=":1" />
===Second term: 2005–2008===
In 2006, she completed basic and corps training as a Reserve Forces field engineer (Royal New Zealand Engineers) within the New Zealand Army. Whilst Associate Defence Minister, she was required to transfer to the non-active Reserve but, since leaving the [[Executive Council of New Zealand|Executive Council]] has resumed active training.{{citation needed|date=August 2014}}


In the [[New Zealand general election, 2008|2008]] election, she contested the electorate of {{NZ electorate link|Wellington Central}}, a seat formerly held by former [[ACT New Zealand|ACT]] leader and co-founder [[Richard Prebble]] from [[New Zealand general election, 1996|1996]] to [[New Zealand general election, 1999|1999]]. Campaigning solely for party vote, she polled fourth in the electorate count<ref>{{cite web|url=http://2008.electionresults.govt.nz/electorate-59.html |title=Official Count Results -- Wellington Central |publisher=[[New Zealand Ministry of Justice]] |accessdate=2008-12-02 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211164941/http://2008.electionresults.govt.nz/electorate-59.html |archivedate=11 December 2008 }}</ref> but was re-elected to Parliament on the ACT party list.
In the [[2008 New Zealand general election|2008]] election, she contested the electorate of {{NZ electorate link|Wellington Central}}, a seat formerly held by former [[ACT New Zealand|ACT]] leader and co-founder [[Richard Prebble]] from [[1996 New Zealand general election|1996]] to [[1999 New Zealand general election|1999]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=ACT New Zealand |date=23 November 2008 |title=Heather Roy For Wellington Central |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0711/S00463.htm |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=www.scoop.co.nz}}</ref> The seat had been held by Labour since 1999, although the incumbent, [[Marian Hobbs]], was retiring. Roy finished fourth but was re-elected to Parliament on the ACT party list for the third time.<ref>{{cite web |title=Official Count Results -- Wellington Central |url=http://2008.electionresults.govt.nz/electorate-59.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211164941/http://2008.electionresults.govt.nz/electorate-59.html |archive-date=11 December 2008 |access-date=2008-12-02 |publisher=[[New Zealand Ministry of Justice]]}}</ref>


=== Supporting the National-led government ===
===Third term: 2008–2011===
In November 2008, National Party leader John Key formed a new government with support from ACT New Zealand and other small parties. As part of the National–ACT agreement, Roy was appointed as [[Minister of Consumer Affairs (New Zealand)|Minister of Consumer Affairs]], Associate Minister of Defence and Associate Minister of Education.<ref>{{cite news |author=Martin Kay |date=17 November 2008 |title=New groups part of deals |publisher=[[The Dominion Post (Wellington)|The Dominion Post]] |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/vote-08/news/721121/New-groups-part-of-deals |access-date=31 October 2021}}</ref> In the latter two roles, Roy commissioned reviews of the [[New Zealand Defence Force|New Zealand Defence]] Force (including a study on voluntary national service)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Defence Review 2009 |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/defence-review-2009 |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=The Beehive |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Appointment Of Team Leaders For Companion Studies |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/appointment-team-leaders-companion-studies |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=The Beehive |language=en}}</ref> and of [[special education]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Review of Special Education 2010 |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/review-special-education-2010 |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=The Beehive |language=en}}</ref> She advocated for, without success, the reversal of [[New Zealand nuclear-free zone|New Zealand's nuclear free policy]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Jared |date=2009-09-28 |title=Heather Roy debates NZ nuclear option |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/2911297/Heather-Roy-debates-NZ-nuclear-option |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=Stuff |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> She also announced reforms to independent schools, including increased government subsidies to independent schools in 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Balancing Independence With Government Regulation |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/balancing-independence-government-regulation |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=The Beehive |language=en}}</ref> As Minister of Consumer Affairs, Roy launched a "consumer reform" discussion document in June 2010,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Minister Releases Consumer Law Discussion Document |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/minister-releases-consumer-law-discussion-document |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=The Beehive |language=en}}</ref> approved the creation of New Zealand's first financial sector consumer dispute resolution schemes,<ref>{{Cite web |title=First Financial Service Disputes Resolution Schemes Approved |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/first-financial-service-disputes-resolution-schemes-approved |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=The Beehive |language=en}}</ref> and established new regulations requiring water efficiency labels to be fastened to electrical appliances including washing machines, dishwashers, taps, toilets and showers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Water Efficiency Labels Help Consumers Make Better Choices |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/water-efficiency-labels-help-consumers-make-better-choices |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=The Beehive |language=en}}</ref>
In November 2008, as part of the Supply and Confidence Agreement between the ACT and [[New Zealand National Party|National Party]] which allowed the formation of a Government, Heather Roy was appointed to ministerial posts outside the cabinet as Minister of Consumer Affairs, Associate Defence Minister and Associate Education Minister.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/vote08/4762929a28435.html|accessdate=2008-10-17|date=17 November 2008|title=New groups part of deals|publisher=[[The Dominion Post (Wellington)|The Dominion Post]]|author=Martin Kay}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>


The 2008–2011 term saw dysfunction and disruption in the ACT New Zealand leadership. ACT founder Sir [[Roger Douglas]], with Roy's support, was reported as leading unsuccessful moves to remove [[Epsom (New Zealand electorate)|Epsom]] MP [[Rodney Hide]] as ACT leader in November 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-08 |title=Leadership woes still plague Act |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/leadership-woes-still-plague-act/CDJQ6P7BSEAWXGVX54PB4OYLEI/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref> At the ACT party conference in March 2010, Roy used her deputy leader's speech to criticise the party's reliance on Hide and the Epsom electorate.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-08 |title=Leadership woes still plague Act |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/leadership-woes-still-plague-act/CDJQ6P7BSEAWXGVX54PB4OYLEI/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-08 |title=John Armstrong: Roy buries hatchet - in Hide's back |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/ijohn-armstrongi-roy-buries-hatchet-in-hides-back/ZIAETXAKIIVWDAOIKRYKJPO76A/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref> In August 2010, Roy was removed as deputy leader and replaced by [[John Boscawen]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2010-08-17 |title=Heather Roy dumped as ACT deputy leader |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/345/heather-roy-dumped-as-act-deputy-leader |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=[[RNZ]] |language=en-nz}}</ref> She was also removed as a government minister.<ref name=":4" /> In exit press, Roy denied being part of an attempt to replace Hide as leader.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hartevelt |first=John |date=2010-08-18 |title=Leaked notes show ACT infighting |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/4037339/Leaked-notes-show-ACT-infighting |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=Stuff |language=en}}</ref> Less than twelve months later, in April 2011, Hide was succeeded as leader by [[Don Brash]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-04-28 |title=Hide's future with ACT in question |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/politics/hides-future-act-question |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=Otago Daily Times Online News |language=en}}</ref>
Following internal party concerns she was removed as deputy leader of the Act Party in August 2010. Her ministerial portfolios were transferred to the new deputy leader, [[John Boscawen]], by the Governor-General following advice from the Prime Minister. Since 17 August 2010, she has assumed the roles of spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Health, Social Development and Employment, Police, Corrections, Courts, Labour, Science and Innovation, Pacific Affairs, Ethnic Affairs, Arts, Culture and Heritage, Tourism, Sports and Recreation, Youth Affairs and Tertiary Education. She also sat on the Select Committees for Education and Science; Local Government and Environment as well as the Parliamentary Service Commission.


In June 2011, Roy announced she would leave Parliament at the [[2011 New Zealand general election|2011 general election]].<ref name="Stuff.co.nz_51918452">{{cite web |author=Vance, Andrea |date=25 June 2011 |title=Roy to quit - on her own terms |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5191845/Roy-to-quit-on-her-own-terms |access-date=2 October 2011 |work=[[The Dominion Post (Wellington)|The Dominion Post]]}}</ref> In her final year in office, she took charge of the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill, a private member's bill which had been in her name from 2005 to 2008 but was transferred to Sir Roger Douglas when Roy became a minister. The bill proposed to make [[Voluntary student unionism|membership of student associations and unions voluntary]] and faced strong opposition from student unions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=ACT New Zealand |date=1 September 2010 |title=Roy Takes Over VSM Bill |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1009/S00018/roy-takes-over-vsm-bill.htm |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=www.scoop.co.nz}}</ref> The bill eventually passed its third reading in September 2011.<ref>{{cite news |date=29 September 2011 |title=Voluntary Student Membership Bill now law |work=Radio New Zealand News |url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/86781/voluntary-student-membership-bill-now-law |access-date=29 August 2014}}</ref>
Roy also took charge of a bill submitted by Sir [[Roger Douglas]], The [[Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment]] Bill (Voluntary Student Membership), which proposed to make membership of student associations and unions voluntary. The bill eventually passed its third reading in September 2011, and [[voluntary student unionism|voluntary student membership]] is now required.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/86781/voluntary-student-membership-bill-now-law | title=Voluntary Student Membership Bill now law | work=Radio New Zealand News | date=29 September 2011 | accessdate=29 August 2014}}</ref>

In June 2011, Roy announced her retirement at the [[New Zealand general election, 2011|2011 general election]].<ref name="Stuff.co.nz_5191845">{{cite web |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5191845/Roy-to-quit-on-her-own-terms |title=Roy to quit - on her own terms |author=Vance, Andrea |date=25 June 2011 |work=[[The Dominion Post (Wellington)|The Dominion Post]] |accessdate=2 October 2011}}</ref>


==Career after politics==
==Career after politics==
Following the 2011 election, Roy was appointed non-executive Chair of the Board of the pharmaceutical lobby group, Medicines NZ.<ref name="Stuff.co.nz">{{cite web |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/6313967/Heather-Roy-from-politics-to-big-pharma |title=Heather Roy from politics to big pharma |author=Keown, Jenny|date=26 January 2012|work=[[The Dominion Post (Wellington)|The Dominion Post]] |accessdate=20 February 2012}}</ref><ref name="mnz-about-us">{{cite web |title=About Us |url= http://www.medicinesnz.co.nz/about-us/ |work=Medicines New Zealand |accessdate=16 January 2013}}</ref>
Following the 2011 election, Roy was appointed non-executive board chair of the pharmaceutical lobby group, Medicines NZ.<ref name="Stuff.co.nz2">{{cite web |author=Keown, Jenny |date=26 January 2012 |title=Heather Roy from politics to big pharma |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/6313967/Heather-Roy-from-politics-to-big-pharma |access-date=20 February 2012 |work=[[The Dominion Post (Wellington)|The Dominion Post]]}}</ref><ref name="mnz-about-us2">{{cite web |title=About Us |url=http://www.medicinesnz.co.nz/about-us/ |access-date=16 January 2013 |work=Medicines New Zealand}}</ref> She left the role in early 2018. <ref>{{cite web |title=Medicines New Zealand seeks independent chair for 2018 |url=https://www.medicinesnz.co.nz/resources/media-releases/media-releases-single/medicines-new-zealand-seeks-independent-chair-for-2018 |access-date=24 October 2023 |website=Medicines NZ}}</ref> For a period after leaving Parliament, Roy also resumed her role as a reserve forces field engineer{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}.


Roy has appeared as a political commentator advocating for lowering the [[Electoral threshold|5% threshold]] for parties to be represented in Parliament and for [[Opinion poll|public opinion polls]] to be banned during the election voting period.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roy |first=Heather |date=15 May 2023 |title=It's time to drop the 5% MMP threshold and let more smaller parties into Parliament |url=https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/350011039/its-time-drop-5-mmp-threshold-and-let-more-smaller-parties-parliament |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=The Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Roy |first=Heather |date=30 October 2023 |title=Polls should be banned during the election voting period |url=https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/350100620/polls-should-be-banned-during-election-voting-period |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=The Post}}</ref>
==Personal life==
Roy and her husband Duncan Roy, a doctor, have five children.


== References ==
== References ==
<references group="" responsive="1"></references>
{{reflist|30em}}


==Further reading ==
==Further reading ==

*{{Cite document |first = Richard|last = Prebble |title = Liberal thinking |place = Wellington, [N.Z.] |publisher = ACT New Zealand Parliamentary Office |year = 2003 |postscript = <!--None-->|display-authors=etal}} (Roy contributed a paper entitled "Health for all".)
*{{Cite document |first = Heather |last = Roy |title = Report by the New Zealand Delegate to the 15th Commonwealth Parliamentary Seminar Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 16–23 August 2003 [Commonwealth Parliamentary Seminar (15th: 2003: Rarotonga)] |place = Wellington, [N.Z.] |publisher = House of Representatives |year = 2003 |postscript = <!--None-->}}
* {{Cite book |last=Prebble |first=Richard |title=Liberal thinking |publisher=ACT New Zealand Parliamentary Office |year=2003 |place=Wellington, [N.Z.] |display-authors=etal}} (Roy contributed a paper entitled "Health for all".)
* {{Cite report |title=Report by the New Zealand Delegate to the 15th Commonwealth Parliamentary Seminar Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 16–23 August 2003 [Commonwealth Parliamentary Seminar (15th: 2003: Rarotonga)] |last=Roy |first=Heather |publisher=House of Representatives |place=Wellington, [N.Z.] |year=2003}}


== External links==
== External links==

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20111004215231/http://www.roy.org.nz/ Official website archive]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20111004215231/http://www.roy.org.nz/ Official website archive]

{{ACT New Zealand}}
{{ACT New Zealand}}
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[[Category:1964 births]]
[[Category:1964 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:ACT New Zealand MPs]]
[[Category:ACT New Zealand MPs]]
[[Category:New Zealand women in politics]]
[[Category:Women members of the New Zealand House of Representatives]]
[[Category:People from Palmerston, New Zealand]]
[[Category:People from Palmerston, New Zealand]]
[[Category:New Zealand list MPs]]
[[Category:New Zealand list MPs]]
[[Category:Unsuccessful candidates in the New Zealand general election, 1999]]
[[Category:Unsuccessful candidates in the 1999 New Zealand general election]]
[[Category:Members of the New Zealand House of Representatives]]
[[Category:Members of the New Zealand House of Representatives]]
[[Category:21st-century New Zealand politicians]]
[[Category:21st-century New Zealand politicians]]
[[Category:21st-century women politicians]]
[[Category:21st-century New Zealand women politicians]]

Latest revision as of 04:01, 22 November 2024

The Honourable
Heather Roy
Minister of Consumer Affairs
In office
19 November 2008 – 17 August 2010
Prime MinisterJohn Key
Preceded byJudith Tizard
Succeeded byJohn Boscawen
Deputy Leader of ACT Party
In office
2006–2010
LeaderRodney Hide
Preceded byMuriel Newman
Succeeded byJohn Boscawen
Member of the New Zealand Parliament
for ACT Party List
In office
2002–2011
Personal details
Born (1964-03-05) 5 March 1964 (age 60)
Palmerston, Otago
NationalityNew Zealand
Political partyACT Party
SpouseDuncan Roy
Children5
OccupationPhysiotherapist, Member of Parliament, New Zealand Army Reserve

Heather Roy (born 5 March 1964) is a former New Zealand politician. She was a Member of Parliament for ACT New Zealand from 2002 until 2011.

Roy was the deputy leader of ACT New Zealand from 17 September 2005 to 17 August 2010. She was also Minister of Consumer Affairs in the John Key-led National Government from 19 November 2008 until 17 August 2010.

Early life, career and family

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Roy grew up in Palmerston, Otago as the eldest of six children.[1] She was the deputy head girl and, later, head girl at her secondary school.[1] She studied for a diploma in physiotherapy at Otago Polytechnic.[2] She was introduced to politics in 1984 at the age of 20 when she met her husband Duncan Roy, who at that time was the New Zealand Party candidate for Awarua.[3][4] The Roys have five children.[1][3][4]

Before entering politics, Roy worked as a physiotherapist, medical research co-ordinator, manager of a private kindergarten and as publicity officer for the New Zealand Portrait Gallery. In 2006, she completed basic and corps training as a reserve forces field engineer (Royal New Zealand Engineers) within the New Zealand Army.[5][6]

Member of Parliament

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New Zealand Parliament
Years Term Electorate List Party
2002–2005 47th List 9 ACT
2005–2008 48th List 2 ACT
2008–2011 49th List 2 ACT

Roy first contested Parliament as a list-only candidate at the 1999 general election, where she was ranked 10th on the ACT New Zealand list. ACT only won enough support for nine MPs so Roy was unsuccessful.

In Opposition

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At the 2002 general election, she contested the electorate of Ohariu-Belmont, where she finished fifth behind incumbent Peter Dunne.[7] With an improved list position of 9 and ACT holding its support from the previous election, Roy was elected for the first time. In her maiden speech, Roy talked of her "fervent" belief in the liberal ideals of "freedom of market, of mind, and of body".[8] In her first term, Roy was ACT spokesperson for ACC; arts, culture and heritage; family; health; internal affairs, occupational safety and health; senior citizens; women; and youth.[2] She was also a member of Parliament's health select committee.[2]

For the 2005 general election, Roy was placed second on the ACT party list, ahead of its deputy leader Muriel Newman.[9][10] Roy contested but lost Ohariu-Belmont,[11] and was re-elected on the party list. ACT only secured two positions in Parliament, so Roy became the party's deputy leader, whip, and national security spokesperson.[2] For her second term, she served on the social services committee.[2]

In the 2008 election, she contested the electorate of Wellington Central, a seat formerly held by former ACT leader and co-founder Richard Prebble from 1996 to 1999.[12] The seat had been held by Labour since 1999, although the incumbent, Marian Hobbs, was retiring. Roy finished fourth but was re-elected to Parliament on the ACT party list for the third time.[13]

Supporting the National-led government

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In November 2008, National Party leader John Key formed a new government with support from ACT New Zealand and other small parties. As part of the National–ACT agreement, Roy was appointed as Minister of Consumer Affairs, Associate Minister of Defence and Associate Minister of Education.[14] In the latter two roles, Roy commissioned reviews of the New Zealand Defence Force (including a study on voluntary national service)[15][16] and of special education.[17] She advocated for, without success, the reversal of New Zealand's nuclear free policy.[18][3] She also announced reforms to independent schools, including increased government subsidies to independent schools in 2009.[19] As Minister of Consumer Affairs, Roy launched a "consumer reform" discussion document in June 2010,[20] approved the creation of New Zealand's first financial sector consumer dispute resolution schemes,[21] and established new regulations requiring water efficiency labels to be fastened to electrical appliances including washing machines, dishwashers, taps, toilets and showers.[22]

The 2008–2011 term saw dysfunction and disruption in the ACT New Zealand leadership. ACT founder Sir Roger Douglas, with Roy's support, was reported as leading unsuccessful moves to remove Epsom MP Rodney Hide as ACT leader in November 2009.[23] At the ACT party conference in March 2010, Roy used her deputy leader's speech to criticise the party's reliance on Hide and the Epsom electorate.[24][25] In August 2010, Roy was removed as deputy leader and replaced by John Boscawen.[26] She was also removed as a government minister.[26] In exit press, Roy denied being part of an attempt to replace Hide as leader.[27] Less than twelve months later, in April 2011, Hide was succeeded as leader by Don Brash.[28]

In June 2011, Roy announced she would leave Parliament at the 2011 general election.[29] In her final year in office, she took charge of the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill, a private member's bill which had been in her name from 2005 to 2008 but was transferred to Sir Roger Douglas when Roy became a minister. The bill proposed to make membership of student associations and unions voluntary and faced strong opposition from student unions.[30] The bill eventually passed its third reading in September 2011.[31]

Career after politics

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Following the 2011 election, Roy was appointed non-executive board chair of the pharmaceutical lobby group, Medicines NZ.[32][33] She left the role in early 2018. [34] For a period after leaving Parliament, Roy also resumed her role as a reserve forces field engineer[citation needed].

Roy has appeared as a political commentator advocating for lowering the 5% threshold for parties to be represented in Parliament and for public opinion polls to be banned during the election voting period.[35][36]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Michele Hewitson Interview: Heather Roy". NZ Herald. 8 November 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Roy, Heather - New Zealand Parliament". www.parliament.nz. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  3. ^ a b c "Valedictory Statements - New Zealand Parliament". www.parliament.nz. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  4. ^ a b "Heather Roy, Act party, List - New Zealand News". NZ Herald. 8 November 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  5. ^ "Army life looks good to Act MP". New Zealand Herald. 21 April 2006. Retrieved 31 October 2021.
  6. ^ "Soldier MP to share new skills with House". New Zealand Herald. 9 June 2006. Retrieved 31 October 2021.
  7. ^ Official Count Results – Ohariu-Belmont
  8. ^ "Heather Roy: Maiden Speech". www.scoop.co.nz. 3 September 2002. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  9. ^ "Former Treasury head No 5 on Act party list". NZ Herald. 8 November 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  10. ^ ACT New Zealand. "ACT releases its Party List for 2005 election". www.scoop.co.nz. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  11. ^ Official Count Results – Ohariu-Belmont
  12. ^ ACT New Zealand (23 November 2008). "Heather Roy For Wellington Central". www.scoop.co.nz. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  13. ^ "Official Count Results -- Wellington Central". New Zealand Ministry of Justice. Archived from the original on 11 December 2008. Retrieved 2 December 2008.
  14. ^ Martin Kay (17 November 2008). "New groups part of deals". The Dominion Post. Retrieved 31 October 2021.
  15. ^ "Defence Review 2009". The Beehive. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  16. ^ "Appointment Of Team Leaders For Companion Studies". The Beehive. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  17. ^ "Review of Special Education 2010". The Beehive. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  18. ^ Smith, Jared (28 September 2009). "Heather Roy debates NZ nuclear option". Stuff. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  19. ^ "Balancing Independence With Government Regulation". The Beehive. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  20. ^ "Minister Releases Consumer Law Discussion Document". The Beehive. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  21. ^ "First Financial Service Disputes Resolution Schemes Approved". The Beehive. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  22. ^ "Water Efficiency Labels Help Consumers Make Better Choices". The Beehive. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  23. ^ "Leadership woes still plague Act". NZ Herald. 8 November 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  24. ^ "Leadership woes still plague Act". NZ Herald. 8 November 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  25. ^ "John Armstrong: Roy buries hatchet - in Hide's back". NZ Herald. 8 November 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  26. ^ a b "Heather Roy dumped as ACT deputy leader". RNZ. 17 August 2010. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  27. ^ Hartevelt, John (18 August 2010). "Leaked notes show ACT infighting". Stuff. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  28. ^ "Hide's future with ACT in question". Otago Daily Times Online News. 28 April 2011. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  29. ^ Vance, Andrea (25 June 2011). "Roy to quit - on her own terms". The Dominion Post. Retrieved 2 October 2011.
  30. ^ ACT New Zealand (1 September 2010). "Roy Takes Over VSM Bill". www.scoop.co.nz. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  31. ^ "Voluntary Student Membership Bill now law". Radio New Zealand News. 29 September 2011. Retrieved 29 August 2014.
  32. ^ Keown, Jenny (26 January 2012). "Heather Roy from politics to big pharma". The Dominion Post. Retrieved 20 February 2012.
  33. ^ "About Us". Medicines New Zealand. Retrieved 16 January 2013.
  34. ^ "Medicines New Zealand seeks independent chair for 2018". Medicines NZ. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
  35. ^ Roy, Heather (15 May 2023). "It's time to drop the 5% MMP threshold and let more smaller parties into Parliament". The Post. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  36. ^ Roy, Heather (30 October 2023). "Polls should be banned during the election voting period". The Post. Retrieved 7 November 2023.

Further reading

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  • Prebble, Richard; et al. (2003). Liberal thinking. Wellington, [N.Z.]: ACT New Zealand Parliamentary Office. (Roy contributed a paper entitled "Health for all".)
  • Roy, Heather (2003). Report by the New Zealand Delegate to the 15th Commonwealth Parliamentary Seminar Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 16–23 August 2003 [Commonwealth Parliamentary Seminar (15th: 2003: Rarotonga)] (Report). Wellington, [N.Z.]: House of Representatives.
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