Cell: +64 27 4455 753
Email: roger.sowry@sul.co.nz

Roger joined Saunders Unsworth in 2008 after a 15-year career in Parliament and 2 ½ years as Chief Executive of Arthritis New Zealand. Roger has the level of in-depth knowledge of the political process that can only come from having served as a senior Minister in a major political party. 

Roger is a professional director with a wide range of Board experience in Private, Listed and Government Business. 

He chairs Homecare Medical, a privately owned company owned by New Zealand's two largest PHOs, ProCare and Pegasus.  It provides a 24-hour telehealth service.

He is deputy Chair of Healthcare NZ.  Healthcare NZ is a large privately owned Wellington based company providing specialist in-home health support, nursing services and disability support services.

Roger was a Member of Parliament from 1990 to 2005, firstly representing the Kapiti electorate, then as a National list M.P. He was chief whip (1994-1996) and chaired the Health Select Committee (1993-1996).

Following the 1996 election Roger was appointed to cabinet as Minister of Social Welfare, a position he held for 3 years.  He also served as Associate Minister of Health (1996-1998) and Leader of the House (1998-1999).

During his time as Leader of the House he was responsible for minority government coalition management, a position which saw him working closely with other parties in the parliament.  In 1999 Roger became opposition spokesman for Transport, and went on to serve as Deputy Leader of the National Party and spokesman for Energy and Labour Relations.

Roger and his wife Shirley have four children; he is an active follower of all sport and a BBQ authority.