Date and place of birth 19 July, 1974. Hastings, New Zealand
Ethnicity Pakeha
Current residence Takaro, Palmerston North
Electorate Palmerston North
Educational and vocational qualifications BA (sociology and psychology; Massey University); MA (sociology; first class honours); PhD (sociology).
Current occupation Research Officer, Sociology Department, School of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University, Manawatu (January 2010 - present).
Previous occupations Housing Advice Centre (non-profit organisation in Palmerston North) Coordinator (1 ½ years, 2008 - 2009) and Community Worker (2 years, 2006 - 2008). Palmerston North Community Services Council (non-profit umbrella organisation for social welfare based organisations) web administrator and web site training (2009 - 2010). Tutor in sociology at Massey University (7 years, 2001 - 2007). Student (1997 - 2010). Bar manager / cook / bar tender (1996 - 2000).
Other work experience (inc. voluntary/unpaid) Mother (1994 - present). REEL Earth Environmental Film Festival, volunteer (2011). Housing Advice Centre, volunteer (2010). I have also volunteered for the Green Party: leaflet delivery (2002); Palmerston North leaflet distribution coordinator and distribution (2011).
Community connections I have many informal connections with local organisations given my past and present involvement in the Palmerston North community sector. My formal connections include: Central Region Advocacy Service, trustee (2010 to present); Manawatu Tenants' Union, member (2009 - 2010); Palmerston North Community Services Council, vice-chair (2009 - 2010), secretary (2008 - 2009).
Policy Interests/Expertise Environment; environmental education; housing; transport; community and voluntary sector; agriculture; sustainable consumption.
Additional information We are living in a critical point in time where our reliance on finite resources, the degradation of our environment, and the excessive waste created from our consumption practices must be addressed with urgency. The notion that we must endlessly pursue economic growth is short-sighted and only deepens the issues that we as global citizens are already grappling with. None of the issues facing our nation and the planet as a whole can be addressed in isolation or through any one means. As citizens of a relatively affluent nation that has a strong reliance on its clean and green branding, we need to lead the way in living an environmentally sustainable, economically fair and socially just life. The ability of people to lead change through the choices that we make in our everyday lives is powerful and should not be underestimated, but celebrated and encouraged. Party politics - voting Green - is one important avenue for helping us realise a healthier, happier world.
