Date and place of birth 24.06.1965, Hamilton
Ethnicity Ngati Pakeha
Current residence and electorate Gisborne
Electorate East Coast
Educational and vocational qualifications
Completed internal work-based courses of study in Situational Leadership, Negotiation, the Experiential Learning Cycle (Project Management), as well as various papers extramurally towards a Bachelor of Commerce.
Current occupation Commercial Manager for Tourism Eastland
Previous occupations Manager - The Radio Network Gisborne (1997-2011), Creative Director (1996-97), Creative Writer 1984-1996, Chainman for Surveyor 1983, Milk Powder Packer 1982.
Other work experience (inc. voluntary/unpaid) Semi-professional musician since 1981, Event Manager - Festivals, Awards etc
Community connections Chairman - Creative Tairawhiti 2006-2010 -member of Executive 2004-2010,
Gisborne Chamber of Commerce Executive 1999-2002 - Deputy Chairman 2002,
Tourism Eastland Board member 2003-2004,
Trustee of Tuia 2000 Trust responsible for Gisborne Millennium celebrations 1999-2002,
World Environment Day Project Leader 2009-2010,
Transition Tairawhiti Steering Group 2009-2010,
Pecha Kucha Gisborne - Director 2008-2010
Policy Interests/Expertise Arts - Creative Tairawhiti Executive since 2004, Musician since 1981, Broadcasting - worked in
radio industry since 1984, Tourism - Tourism Eastland Board member 2003-2004, Business -
Business Manager since 1997, Gisborne Chamber of Commerce Executive 1999-2002
My broad political issues I'm interested in helping New Zealand find a new middle road - relinquishing the old idea that the economy can only function at the expense of the environment. A new Greener Economic Vision is needed urgently that doesn't compromise the future in order to satisfy the needs of the present. I'd like to see more emphasis put on developing the intellectual property of our people and enabling/empowering our business and public sectors to work more collaboratively on utilising/developing new sustainable technologies and industries.
Additional information My partner Kerry Donovan and I have 3 children aged 14, 12 and 8 and are working to become more self-sufficient while enjoying a great East Coast lifestyle. Kerry and the kids are of Ngati Whakaue descent.
