Tom McGuigan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honourable Tom McGuigan QSO JP
McGuigan in 1959
23rd Minister of Health
In office 10 September 1974 – 12 December 1975
Prime Minister	Bill Rowling
Preceded by	Bob Tizard
Succeeded by	Frank Gill
20th Minister of Railways
In office 8 December 1972 – 10 September 1974
Prime Minister	Norman Kirk
Preceded by	Peter Gordon
Succeeded by	Ron Bailey
7th Minister of Electricity
In office 8 December 1972 – 10 September 1974
Prime Minister	Norman Kirk
Preceded by	Les Gandar
Succeeded by	Ron Bailey
Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Lyttelton
In office 29 November 1969 – 30 October 1975
Preceded by	Norman Kirk
Succeeded by	Colleen Dewe
Personal details
Born	20 February 1921 Christchurch, New Zealand
Died	5 February 2013(2013-02-05) (aged 91) Shirley, Christchurch, New Zealand
Political party	Labour
Spouse	Ruth Deacon
Children	3

Thomas Malcolm McGuigan QSO JP (born 20 February 1921 – died 5 February 2013) was a New Zealand politician. He was a member of the Labour Party. He served as a Member of Parliament and held important government roles.

About Tom McGuigan

His Early Life and Work

Tom McGuigan grew up in Woolston, a part of Christchurch. He went to Christchurch Boys' High School. There, he played many sports like cricket, soccer, and athletics. After school, he studied accounting at Christchurch Technical College.

When World War II started, his studies were put on hold. He joined the Royal New Zealand Navy as an officer. During the war, he saw a lot of poverty in Asian countries. This made him want to help people. He decided to get into politics to make life better for everyone.

After the war, in 1946, Tom married Ruth Deacon from England. Ruth traveled to New Zealand separately. Tom's ship had to turn back, so he arrived later. They settled in Christchurch and had three children: one daughter and two sons.

Before becoming a politician, McGuigan worked as an accountant and secretary. He also held several management jobs at hospitals in Christchurch. These included Christchurch Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital.

His Time in Politics

McGuigan first tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Lyttelton area in 1954. He almost won, but lost by a small number of votes. After this, he focused on his hospital career.

He later encouraged his friend Norman Kirk to run for the Lyttelton seat. Kirk won in 1957, and McGuigan helped him organize his campaigns. In 1969, when Kirk moved to a different area, McGuigan ran for the Lyttelton seat again. This time, he won and became an MP.

When the Labour Party formed the government in 1972, Prime Minister Norman Kirk gave McGuigan two important jobs. He became the Minister of Railways and the Minister of Electricity.

As Minister of Electricity, he worked to protect Lake Manapouri. He made sure the lake's water level was not raised, keeping a promise the Labour Party made. He also created a group called the Guardians of Lake Manapouri. This group helped manage the lake's levels. McGuigan also focused on New Zealand's need for more power. He made sure the government did not use nuclear power, sticking to their anti-nuclear policy.

After Norman Kirk passed away, Bill Rowling became the new Prime Minister. Rowling made McGuigan the Minister of Health. This was the job McGuigan really wanted. He worked on a plan for health services in New Zealand. The plan suggested creating local health boards. However, a new government came into power and did not use his plan.

McGuigan also visited Vietnam during the end of the Vietnam War. New Zealand was helping to rebuild health services there. He saw the damage from the war and heard gunshots in the distance. In the 1975 election, McGuigan unexpectedly lost his seat to Colleen Dewe.

After leaving Parliament, he continued to serve his community. In 1980, he was elected to the North Canterbury Hospital Board. He received the most votes of any candidate. He was re-elected in 1983. McGuigan believed that important services should be run by the government. He felt sad that many services were being sold to private companies.

Later Life and Passing

Tom McGuigan was very involved in soccer. From 1974 to 1975, he was the president of the New Zealand Football Association. He also worked as the secretary for the Canterbury Football Association for many years. He even refereed soccer games for boys.

After his time in Parliament, he started his own business. In 1986, he received the Queen's Service Order award. This award recognized his great service to the public.

Tom McGuigan passed away on 5 February 2013, at the age of 91. He died in Shirley, Christchurch. His wife had passed away before him.