Background

Craig is a Pakeha New Zealander born in Christchurch and now living in Invercargill. He obtained a Diploma of Environmental Management through the Open Polytech. His work experience has been obtained in wool stores and scours, on farms, in shipping and in offices, and he currently works selling and shipping wool.

Achievements

Craig says his occupation involves dealing with New Zealand and overseas buyers through written, spoken and electronic communications, and it has provided him with skills in negotiation, communication and sales. From his work on conservation and environmental issues he has gained recognition beyond Invercargill, across the Southland Region. Craig is known as a Southland greenie and members of the public come to him for assistance with environmental matters that can concern either Forest & Bird or the Green Party.
In the areas of public policy, Craig has interests and expertise in conservation (work with Forest & Bird on policy and projects); the environment (his Diploma and Forest & Bird work with planning & consents); and trade (related to his employment).
Craig joined the Green Party in Invercargill in1992 and his roles have included electorate contact, Clutha-Southland electorate contact (acting), Deep South Executive Networker, Standing Orders Convenor, Executive Representative on the Policy Committee, Co-ordinator for MP visits, and Invercargill electorate and list candidate in 1999, 2002 and 2005. He was Alliance electorate chairman for one year.

Community Involvements

Between 1994 and 2003 Craig was a Bluff Yachting Club Children’s Learn to Sail Instructor. He was involved with the Electoral Reform Coalition between 1988 and1993, and was Chairperson of the Southland Branch of the Forest & Bird Society from 1993 to 2007, from which he gained experience in public relations, community projects and planning and consent hearings.

Contact

Phone: 03 213 0732
Email: abccarson [at] xtra [dot] co [dot] nz