There is an old saying that goes “If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always got”. This saying rings true for Whangarei and I believe that it is time for change. I believe that Whangarei deserves more than ‘what we have always got’.

Whangarei has fantastic natural assets, an idyllic setting, is the best place in the World to raise a family and for the majority of us it is home in every sense of the word.

However over the last 10-15 years this has been tempered by the lack of growth of Whangarei as a viable first class community. 

The Whangarei District has the most potential of anywhere in New Zealand to be a viable, vibrant, prosperous community. Whangarei has the ability to be a destination, both for tourism and as a city of choice for permanent residents. This potential can be realised by injecting positive leadership into the Council. We need a change in mindset, lead by a motivated leader. 

I am that Leader. 

I am passionate about the Whangarei District and I have a clear, inclusive vision for its future. 

My youth, drive, energy, management experience and leadership skills will give a fresh perspective and help the Community move forward. 

 

"Together, Lets Make a Difference".

 

 

Top 5 Issues

1. Economic Stimulation and Development
   • An open and receptive Council for private investment initiatives
   • Small Business Initiatives
   • Focus on the Whangarei District as an Education Hub (at a Local, National and International level)
   • Local Infrastructure Design and Development with Local Company involvement
   
2. Whangarei District as a Tourist Destination
   • A vibrant, invigorated Town Basin
   • Community supported Attractions
   • A CBD 5 Star Hotel and Conference Centre
   • A Cultural Experience
   • Retail, Hospitality and Attraction integration
   • Promotion of our Natural Assets (Walking Tracks, Beaches, Harbour, Coastline)
   
3. A Model City of Present and Future Community Living
   • A Clean Harbour
   • Effective Roading and Traffic Management
   • Appropriate, sustainable infrastructure
   • Integrated sub-Community sustainability
   
4. A Safe and Secure Community
   • Better support of and cooperation with the NZ Police
   • More City Safe Officers
   • Promotion of 0800 Crimestoppers
   • Promotion of Neighbourhood Networks
   • A Youth Education and Training collective
   
5. An Open and Inclusive Council
   • A Council talking to and working with Community Groups (Ratepayers, Associations, Concerned Citizens)
   • A Council working cooperatively and collaboratively with the Central Government, Government Organizations, Regional Council, District Health Board, Iwi and other District Councils
   • A Council with an open, honest and transparent agenda
   • A Council that is willing to do what it can to help make things happen for the benefit of the community
   

Personal Profile

My family has been a part of the Whangarei community for four generations. I was born and raised in the community and call Whangarei my home. 

I am married to a beautiful Whangarei local, Kathi and have three wonderful children, Allanah 16, Aidan 7 and Daniel 5. We also have two dogs, both Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso crosses, who are also very much a part of our family.

My parents, Kelvin and Sherrill, play a big part in our Whangarei identity and have numerous ties to the Whangarei District.

I have spent the greater part of my working life as a Senior Manager in the Construction Industry. My family and I have been fortunate enough, through my work, to experience a number of different environs, from Central Otago and Southland in New Zealand to Ireland, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I have also had the opportunity to live and work in the United States and the Caribbean.

My Management roles within the Construction Industry, working on projects ranging from Residential Housing through to Mini Cities ($3 Billion) and leading large professional teams, has given me the experience and skill set to be a leader with vision, integrity, honesty and inclusiveness. 

I enjoy an active lifestyle including boating, diving, rugby, snowboarding and playing golf. I have been involved in coaching children’s Rugby and Hockey and love to spend time with the family enjoying the outdoors.