Kat’s passion for the protection and restoration of the environment led her to become a Regional councillor for the Bay of Plenty Regional Council in 2022. Her vision for the Bay of Plenty is: Protected and restored ecosystems, fresh waterways and clean oceans, public transport for all, honouring Te Tiriti, sustainable green development, thriving communities and a low carbon future. Kat believes we can act together to build a more sustainable world and that together we can make a difference.

Kat has a science degree background (BSc Hons Zoology) and a career in management, leadership coaching and facilitation. The majority of her management roles have been in the ‘for-purpose’ sector. Kat is deputy chair of the Strategy and Policy committee and co-chair of Pāpāmoa Hills Regional Park co-governance forum. Kat is passionate about reversing climate change through action, she supports the drive to:

🌿Retire and restore land and plant native trees

🐸Increase land protected areas

🌾Farm in a nature-friendly, biodiversity-supporting way

🏡Build up CBDs, prevent urban sprawl and create more green spaces

🥗Shift towards plant-based diets 

🐟Let the ocean recover from exploitative fishing

Kat is a keen runner and enjoys ultra-marathons. She has two young adult sons and lives with her husband on a lifestyle block with an avocado orchard and menagerie of mainly rescued animals. She loves spending time out and about in the community listening to and connecting with people in the BOP.