"It’s a privilege to be the MP for Northcote, and it’s a responsibility I take incredibly seriously. The key is being available and ready to listen to people, having an active involvement in the local community, and being prepared to act in the interests of the local area."

Jonathan won the Northcote seat in 2005- the only seat National has won off Labour in Auckland since 1990. In the 2008 election, his majority was 9,360. He brings to Parliament a wealth of experience as a medical doctor and business person- he knows what it’s like to work in the real world.

In the past three years he’s been hard at work in the electorate, seeing constituents in the Birkenhead office with a wide range of issues and constantly getting around the local area. His work and close ties with the electorate mean that when he is involved in Select Committee work, and Parliamentary debates in Wellington, he’s speaking from the perspective of a person who’s in constant touch with real New Zealanders on a daily basis.

"People want an MP who sees things through their eyes - someone who identifies with the concerns of the average person. As a person supporting a young family, I identify with the issues that people in Northcote, Glenfield and Birkenhead are worried about.

“People need more cash in the hand to deal with the rising costs of life’s essentials. They want to know that the streets are safe, that their kids and grandkids are getting a great education, and that they will get top class care at the local hospital.

"As your local MP, I’m determined that Government is going to deliver in these areas. As a member of the Health Select Committee, I’m constantly challenging the Government to deliver health services that people in our area can rely on.”

Jonathan lives in Northcote with his wife and two children.

Before Parliament

Jonathan's family history in Northcote goes back to 1845, when his great-great-great grandfather started the family farm behind what is now the Poenamo hotel. He is thrilled to be returning to represent the area in which the previous five generations of his family lived. 

Jonathan studied medicine at Auckland University Medical School, followed by a post-graduate Diploma of Obstetrics at National Women's Hospital. He worked overseas for a number of years, including time with the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Outback Australia, and three years as a partner in an inner city general practice in London. In 1997, Jonathan achieved Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners.

He holds an MBA from London Business School, and has studied at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Prior to parliament he worked in clinical medicine and management consulting.

Upon graduation, Jonathan worked for Booz Allen and Hamilton in London. Since returning to New Zealand in 2001, he combined advisory work in the healthcare sector for PricewaterhouseCoopers with clinical medical practice.