I'm married with three children and operate a part-time publishing business, Nikau Press. 

Currently a City Councillor, I have 27 years experience in local government in Nelson. I'm the Deputy Environment portfolio holder, chair the Regional Transport Committee and serve on numerous steering groups and working parties, including several with Tasman councillors. I'm an accredited resource management commissioner, council's urban design champion and an active member of both the Biodiversity Forum and Sustainability Forum. 

I'm actively involved in several community organisations, including being a trustee of the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Trust and the new Tasman Regional Sports Event Trust, chair of the Nelson Environment Centre and President of the Tasman Masters Athletics Association. 

If re−elected I'm keen to continue using my experience, knowledge and energy to ensuring Nelson remains a special place and that we have a safe, cohesive and resilient community that has a long term sustainable future.

Top 5 Issues

1. Trying to ensure that Nelson remains a special and vibrant place and our community is safe, cohesive and resilient, and that we safeguard our natural environment and built heritage, enhance our arts profile and ensure our community facilities are adequately supported.
2. Continued and improved co-operation with Tasman District Council over shared issues and participating in the Local Government Commission process for investigating the possible amalgamation of Nelson City and Tasman District.
3. Ensuring sensible, affordable and sustainable transport solutions are pursued after the completion of the Arterial Traffic Study.
4. Resolving the issue of whether or not a Performing Arts Centre/Civic Centre and/or Conference facility is proceeded with in the Nelson region.
5. Undertaking a Strategic City Development Plan, a Community Sustainability Strategy and appropriate changes to the Nelson Resource Management Plan.

Personal Profile

My childhood years were spent in Golden Bay and shifted to Nelson with my parents where I attended Nayland College as a first day pupil. I have a B.Sc (Hons) from Otago University and a post-graduate secondary teaching diploma.

I’m married to Claire McKenzie and we have three children – Bonnie (18), Callum (16) and Jamie (12). I operate a small part-time publishing business, Nikau Press, which specialises in local histories and outdoor guides. Last year, I published Karen Warren’s book on the Nelson Boulder Bank “Rolling Stones: Nelson’s Boulder Bank” and fourth book in the Grady’s People series by Don Grady “Heaps More Grady’s People”.

My involvements in community organisations include being a trustee of the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Trust which is establishing a sanctuary in the headwaters of the Brook catchment and chair of the Nelson Environment Centre.

I’m an active runner, President of the Tasman Masters Athletics Association and also assist with officiating at local and regional kids athletics meets and the South Island Colgate Games. I’m also a trustee of the newly established Tasman Regional Sports Event Trust which will be responsible for the South Island Masters Games in Nelson in October 2011 and 2013.

My other interests include tramping, photography, music and collecting books on the history of Top of the South and West Coast, natural history and NZ art and poetry.

Local Government Experience

I’m currently a Nelson City Councillor and have 27 years experience as an elected member of the Nelson City Council, the former Nelson-Marlborough Regional Council and the former Nelson Catchment Board. During this term I am the Deputy Environment portfolio holder, chair of the Regional Transport Committee, a member of the Plan Change Committee, Significant Natural Areas Working Party and both the Biodiversity Forum and Sustainability Forum, as well as council’s urban design champion.

In conjunction with Tasman councillors, I’m a member of the Nelson Regional Sewerage Business Unit, the Regional Funding Forum, the steering group for the Waimea Inlet Strategy and the joint Waste Management working party.

As an accredited resource management commissioner, I have been involved in Hearings Panels for both Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council.