Local residents and businesses have an important contribution to make in building their local community and securing a successful future for their children and grandchildren. A successful 21st century city must be built on good quality local representation that is not constrained by party politics. I have lived in Mt Eden for 30 years and have been actively involved in local issues. It has been a great place for my partner Mark and I to bring up our sons. I would bring to our local board an excellent mix of experience and skills in effective governance and effective communication and community engagement. With 23 years experience as a lawyer and many years of community experience I can focus on strategic outcomes and long term goals with a sound understanding of the economic and social context within which decisions are made. For quality community based decision making vote Focus Local

Top 5 Issues

1. To ensure our communities are safe. There must be zero tolerance for crime.
2. We need real consultation on issues affecting our residential and business communities. There must be transparency in decision making. It will be very important to ensure that the Council Controlled Organisations consult with the Local Boards on issues affecting our residential and business communities
3. To have sensible and effective transport solutions that meet the needs of the public.
4. We must strive for the protection and enhancement of our business and residential communities by properly addressing isssues which at present allow the destruction of our communities.
5. Ensuring that our money is spent wisely whilst at the same time ensuring rates are affordable.

Personal Profile

Personal Statement

Local residents and businesses have an important contribution to make in building their local community and securing a successful future for their children and grandchildren. 

A successful 21st century city must be built on good quality local representation that is not constrained by party politics. 

I have lived in Mt Eden for 30 years and have been actively involved in local issues. It has been a great place for my partner Mark and I to bring up our sons.

I am a lawyer who has an excellent mix of experience and skills in effective governance, business and corporate planning, effective communication and community engagement.

I draw on my legal and community experience to focus on strategic outcomes and longer term goals. I bring excellent analytical and interpersonal skills and a sound understanding of the economic and social context within which decisions are made.

Community experience

For years I have taken an active role in local community issues. I have had a number of roles and experiences including:

• Providing a focus, leadership and strategic advice to encourage community participation and speaking at public forums.
• Working with and managing a diverse group of people including media and statutory bodies.
• Representative of a community liaison group.
• Assisting “start up” community groups.

For example, I have been actively involved in the issues relating to the Dominion Road Designation since 2000 and I am currently involved in the Save Dominion Road campaign. I am a member of the “Balmoral Says No” group fighting McDonalds proposed drive through in Balmoral.

Career experience

Bachelor of Laws and Masters in Commercial Law (Honours) from Auckland University.

Specialising in insolvency law, general corporate and commercial law and banking & financial services law. I have 22 years legal experience (Chapman Tripp) more than half at partner level (Hesketh Henry and cogswell + jaduram). I am a regular speaker at various industry conferences.

Directorships/Committees/Memberships

I am a national director of the NZ Shareholders Association, which is a nationwide voice representing the interests of retail investors.

I also belong to a number of organisations (either as a member or on a committee). Organisations include the Institute of Directors,the Australasian Banking and Financial Services Law Association, INSOL New Zealand and Insolvency International.