He is a graduate of the University of Otago with an MB ChB in 1970, and was a consulting specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology with his pre parliament medical career spanning almost 30 years.

[2] He was one of only two National Party MPs to support the successful Smokefree Environments Amendment Act 2003.

[5] As Chairman of the Health select committee ( 2009 to 2014), Hutchison steered five significant inquiries, including on Immunisation, prostate cancer, and "Improving Child health outcomes and preventing child abuse from preconception until 3 years of age."

The latter had strong bipartisan support and a special parliamentary debate was held to emphasise its importance.

[6] Hutchison was succeeded as the MP for Hunua by Andrew Bayly also of the New Zealand National Party.