Date and place of birth: 23/11/1966, London
Ethnicity Pakeha
Current electorate Christchurch East
Educational qualifications Honours degree in Mathematics (1st class); Masters in Conservation Forestry (Distinction)
Current occupation Green Party Member of Parliament
Previous occupations/work experience Green Party Strategic Policy Advisor 2006-2011; Parliamentary advisor (water issues) 2005; Joint owner small business offering forestry management services (2001-2006)
Community connections Current committee member of Disability Inclusion Group; Founding member of Malvern Hills Protection Society, which successfully opposed the Central Plains Water scheme; Secretary/spokesperson for the Dam Action Group (2001-2004); Mother of three, former playcentre committee member
Policy Interests/Expertise I have a sound grounding in a wide range of policy areas and I would be comfortable covering nearly any portfolio area including rural issues, biodiversity, forestry and water, as well as animal welfare, disability and women's rights.
My broad political issues Unrestrained industrial dairying continues to impact heavily on our environment, including climate change. We need to promote fair and sustainable alternatives.
The recent Human Rights Commission review of Human Rights identifies disabled people as the most disadvantaged minority in New Zealand. As a deaf person who lives and breathes green issues, I am a strong advocate for inclusion for everyone.
Additional information I strive to reduce my personal impact on the environment by being vegetarian, supporting GE free, non-toxic, organic, fair trade and local, using public transport, keeping myself informed and getting involved. I have a strong work ethic and am very accessible by email.
