I manage successful businesses throughout Otago/Southland and you may have met me while performing magic shows as one of Dunedin’s leading magicians. I’ve extensive financial experience having worked for the National Bank and SBS in management roles. Aged 40, I’m married to Lisa and we have an 8 year old daughter.

I’m an active volunteer in our community with commitments to Rotary, board member of the Malcam Charitable Trust, member of Keep Dunedin Beautiful, chairman of the J R McKenzie Youth Education Fund, and a director of ShelterBox NZ. Having served the last 3 years as a Saddle Hill Community Board member, I’m ready to use my skills and experiences to help Dunedin achieve what it deserves.

I offer enthusiasm, a willingness to listen, integrity and a commitment to ensure the council does all that it can to ensure that Dunedin and its residents have a positive and successful future.

Top 5 Issues

1. Limit Council spending by identifying strategies to reduce operational costs and ultimately reduce the burden on ratepayers
   
2. Identify strategies to promote and enhance the opportunities for businesses to thrive in Dunedin
3. Improve and enhance core services, especially water, waste and roading. The quality of many of our roads and waste water services are simply not up to a satisfactory standard.
4. Finish the Stadium on time within budget, ensure the venue is a success for the Rugby World Cup and beyond, is profitable, without the need for more financial support from the Council
   
5. Improve and enhance our relationships with those volunteer groups who work hard to improve standards in our community

Personal Profile

Dunedin is a city I love and have enjoyed being involved in the community and providing help and support where I can.  I have lived in Dunedin since I was 9 years old. 

Being involved in our community has been a big part of my life to date.  I volunteer my time to the Rotary Club of Dunedin, I’m chair of the J R McKenzie Youth Education Fund, deputy chair of the Malcam Charitable Trust, and a board member of ShelterBox New Zealand.  Previously I’ve also been a board member of Triathlon NZ, president of the Otago Boys Old Boys Society and chair of the OBHS Foundation.

I am currently an elected a member of the Saddle Hill Community Board.  As part of my Board responsibilities, I have become involved in the Keep Dunedin Beautiful Committee.  I’ve enjoyed the Community Board experience and now wish to take the next step to seek election as a Councillor of Dunedin’s Central Ward.

Despite the enjoyment I get from living in Dunedin, there are still a large number of areas in our City that need to be addressed.  I understand the difficulties that many Dunedin families face.  Like it or not, many families are struggling financially so any future decisions that will have an upward result with rates must be carefully considered. 

My priorities should I be elected are detailed in the "Top 5 Issues" section above.

In addition I’d also like to see the council engage more with the community organisations in our city.  There are a large number of community and volunteer organisations that do tremendous good in our city, and many would benefit from greater support and assistance from Council.

As a magician, I’m often asked if I can make the City’s debt, or even some Councillor’s disappear.  Unfortunately I don’t do miracles!  What I can promise is that decisions that I make will be based on fact, after ensuring that all options have been explored and considered, with appropriate public consultation as required.

If you believe that change is needed within Council, make sure you vote for candidates with the necessary financial and management skills to do the job.  I have those skills and if elected, I will work hard to ensure that Dunedin has a bright and prosperous future. 

Thanks for taking the time to read more about me.