Date and place of birth: 20 January 1961, Grey Lynn, Auckland.
Ethnicity: Pakeha
Current residence and electorate: Grey Lynn, Auckland Central
Educational and vocational qualifications: Conjoint BCom / BA (Auckland), Master of Public Policy, with merit (VUW)
Current occupation: Senior Policy Analyst, Manukau City Council
Previous occupations: Senior Policy Analyst, Project Manager, Senior Business Analyst in central and local government.
Other work experience (including voluntary/unpaid): Researcher/Analyst for NZ Maori Council: Treaty Claim on the Airwaves, and the Broadcasting Assets Case. Author and publisher of the booklet MMP? A Royal Commission recommended MMP for New Zealand - here's why. Manager, treasurer and broadcaster at Community Access radio 2RSR FM, Sydney.
Community connections: I'm a member of the International Society for Ecological Economics, and attend the occasional Grey Lynn 2030 (transition town) meeting, but I'm too busy in the Green Party for much else.
Policy Interests/Expertise: My main interest is in economics, especially developing a Green budget. I also have experience and policy knowledge in Broadcasting, Local Government, Health, Treaty Issues, and Transport.
My broad political issues: Humanity has overshot the capacity of Earth's ecosystem to sustain our long-term existence. We must do whatever we can to address that issue. Our immediate priority must be the rapid de-carbonisation of our energy system. Ultimately we must "de-grow" the economic system and share society's resources more equitably.
Additional information: You can find out more about me at www.sophocrat.co.nz
