Date and place of birth: Dunedin 08/01/1959
Ethnicity: Maori (Ngai Tahu, Ngati Mamoe, Waitaha) Pakeha (English and Scottish). Born and raised at Otakou marae. My father is the current Upoko.
Educational and vocational qualifications: BA Sociology - University of Canterbury, Diploma of Teaching - Christchurch Teachers College, Certificate Maori Moving Images - CPIT, Have begun a Post Graduate qualification.
Current Occupation: Student Support Advisor - Te Wananga o Aotearoa with regional responsibility for all students in the Ngai Tahi rohe. (4 years)
Previous occupations: Marketing executive, strategy consultant, business analyst, and teacher (both primary school and tertiary).
Other work experience (including voluntary/unpaid): Business mentor, COGS, Corrections kaitiaki, oral historian, pool attendant, surf life saver (paid and unpaid), painter, gardener, waitress, retail supervisor, committee member, treasurer, delegate.
Policy Interests: Areas of interest include Maori Affairs, Treaty of Waitangi, Seabed and Foreshore, Iwi settlement process, sustainable housing and transport, buy local, water management, education, mental health, public health, humane standard of living, disability affairs
Additional information: I have lived and worked in Asia and the Americas for 10 years and provide home stays for Chinese migrants arriving in NewZealand.
