Date and place of birth 1981, Gisborne
Ethnicity Pakeha
Current residence and electorate Wellington, electorate candidate for Ohariu
Educational and vocational qualifications Victoria University: BA (Religious Studies and History); Post-Graduate Diploma in Political Studies
Current occupation Member of Parliament for the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand
Previous occupations Greenpeace Climate Change Campaigner coordinating Sign On campaign (2009); Green Party Climate and Youth Outreach Coordinator (2006-2008); Wellington Provincial Campaign Manager (2008); and various positions held from 2000-2005 for Greenpeace NZ and Australia.
Other work experience (including voluntary/unpaid) Cleaner, hospital orderly, barman, DJ, fundraiser, telemarketer and supermarket worker.
Community connections Camp for Climate Action Aotearoa, organising member; deckhand on Rainbow Warrior; member of the Greenpeace NZ Voting Assembly; Greenpeace activist on the boat and climb team; Save Happy Valley Campaign, activist and delegate; Global Young Greens, blog manager and member; Students of Aotearoa Network for the Environment, foundation member; and Royal Society of NZ Environmental Essay Winner.
Policy Interests/Expertise Sustainable Transport, Climate Change, Youth Issues, Tertiary Education, Oceans, and Libraries and Archives.
My broad political issues I want to see urgent, meaningful action on climate change and peak oil. I am passionate about smart transport solutions and I've introduced legislation to make warm, healthy rentals the norm to reduce the serious effects on many of our poorest and most vulnerable people.
Other I'm married to Meghan and father to children Arlo, three years-old, and Zoe, one month. Read more about me on www.greens.org.nz/people/garethhughes
