Date and place of birth 03/07/54, Clyde, New Zealand
Ethnicity Pakeha
Current residence and electorate Blenheim, Kaikoura electorate.
Educational and vocational qualifications UE 1971; John Manhire Award for outstanding contribution to the organics sector 2008. Marlborough Rural Environment Awards, Horticulture and Supreme Awards winner 2003
Current occupation Spokesperson for Soil & Health - Organic NZ since 2003, Agriculture NZ level 3 NZQA organics tutor since September 2009, Environmental advocate since 1995.
Previous occupations Organic grower 18 years, owner of NZ's largest certified organic glasshouse operation (1989-2005). Organic retailer 6 years. Landscape contracting 5 years. Pharmacy wholesaler rep 3 years. Nursing training 18 months.
Community connections Soil & Health Association of New Zealand co-chair, spokes- person since 2003; columnist for Organic NZ magazine; media releases and interviews; major role exposing GE breaches, campaigns inc. methyl bromide & other pesticides, safe food and organics; representing Soil & Health at ERMA, MAF- Biosecurity NZ, MfE, NZFSA, FSANZ, MoRST, DoC. BioGro board since 2004, Organics Aotearoa New Zealand council member (2006-2010). Marlborough Environment Centre advocacy (13 years) including RMA, marine, sewage, recycling and landscape issues. Friends of Nelson Haven and Tasman Bay co-chair and spokesperson since 2003. Key collaborator GE Free NZ, Safe Food Campaign, Pesticide Action Network, Guardians of the Sounds. Marlborough Farmers Market committee (2001-2005). Community workers forum participant. Local iwi connections including RMA, Waitangi Days, and Foreshore-Seabed. Local, Philippines Solidarity Network of Aotearoa liason, ABC organiser Waihopai spy base protests.
Policy Interests/Expertise Primary production (Agriculture, Sustainable Land Management, Organics, Forestry, Fisheries, Oceans, Animal Welfare), Genetic Engineering, Safe Food, Biosecurity, Conservation, Environment. Several successful Environment Court cases including Browning vs Marlborough District Council & Marine Farming Association in 1996. Overseas ownership - free trade.
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