Date and place of birth Reefton, West Coast
Ethnicity European/Pakeha
Current residence and electorate Heathcote Valley, Christchurch, Port Hills
Electorate Waimakariri
Educational and vocational qualifications Bachelor of Broadcast Communications
Current occupation Sound Archivist 1997-2011.
Previous occupations Musician, Baker, Sign writer, Process worker and general roustabout.
Other work experience (inc. voluntary/unpaid) Sound engineering, music and composition for community events and projects.
Community connections Heathcote Valley post-earthquakes water issues group - co-convener. Meetings with residents, liaise with EQC, City council, geologists and others. Success in attracting nationwide and local media coverage, coordinating 70 EQC claims, till pressing for a speedy resolution
Stand Up To Corporate Heavies (Facebook group): I set this up to support small cheese makers over use of generic term "Vintage" claimed as trade mark by Fonterra Brands. Success in helping to get local media coverage.
Malvern Hill Protection Society - member, produced, mixed and mastered Up~the~Creek fundraiser CD compilation. On Central Plains Water Ltd and general irrigation related issues, submissions, letters to editor.
WECAN - green umbrella water lobby group regional council campaign, flyers and placards, stunts, media information. Paved the way for green councillors in Ecan.
Say no to fracking South Island (Facebook group)
CAFCA - Coalition Against Foreign Control in Aotearoa - member
Policy Interests/Expertise I have 15 years expertise in Broadcasting and an extensive knowledge of broadcasting, political and general history. These interests extend through the heritage sector including: libraries, art galleries, museums and archives. I am also interested in local government and believe New Zealand needs a reversal of the historic tendency to centralise power in Wellington.
Additional information I have had a fairly varied life experience and mixed and worked with all kinds of people. As a musician I am aware of the importance of presentation and rehearsal. I still have good links in the New Zealand music scene and in the cultural heritage sector.
In the June 2011 I led Radio New Zealand Sound Archives' post-earthquake recovery operation in Christchurch. The project was a complicated logistical operation and I am pleased to say we recovered all 20 tonnes of New Zealand's premier sound collection ahead of schedule and without endangering any team members. Our taonga is now safe again.
