Award winning entrepreneur dedicated to service and improvement. I have a varied background from developing my own business, military, working in business and government agencies and governance roles including being an elected member to the Christchurch City Council.
A decade of experience post the 2010/11 Canterbury earthquakes in disaster recovery, business development and governance. My drive is driven by outcomes using what tools are available to get the job done. The unknown is an opportunity to create and thrive.
I was born in Nelson, raised at Parihaka and moved around a bit afterwards as my parents worked on different farms. Joined the Royal New Zealand Navy at 18 as a commissioned officer. Several years later I built a business in real estate.
Later we moved to be with family in Christchurch to expand some business opportunities just before the Christchurch Earthquakes. After the earthquakes I set up the Rebuild Christchurch Foundation that supported thousands of people in the aftermath of the disaster. I later became the youngest elected Councillor for Christchurch Central.
I believe in ongoing education to stretch the mind. I hold a National Certificate in Ocean Navigation, a Bachelor of Applied Management is Sales and Marketing, a Graduate Diploma in Business Management, a Graduate Diploma in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and a Master of Business Administration with Finance. I am contemplating further study in the field of disaster recovery.
If there is one aspiration it is to drive positive and compassionate change for future generations by empowering people to feel that they have a voice and that it matters.
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My favourite saying:
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, otira, ko te toa takitini.
Mine is not the strength of one alone, rather, it is the strength of many.