[1] Before entering politics she was involved in a variety of health organisations in the Otago region.

Goodhew was returned as MP for Rangitata at the 2011 general election, though with a slightly reduced majority.

Goodhew was additionally made a minister outside of Cabinet, holding the Community and Voluntary Sector, Senior Citizens and Women's Affairs portfolios.

On 20 December 2016, Goodhew lost her ministerial portfolios in a reshuffle after the resignation of Prime Minister John Key.

Although she had originally signalled her intention to recontest the Rangitata electorate, she announced on 25 January 2017 she would retire at the 2017 election.