I originate from Taradale, Napier, the son of a builder, Bob, and my Mum, Carol (both now resident in Otaki). I studied law at Victoria University, graduating in 1991. I was a criminal lawyer in Napier from 1992 and then went overseas in 1994, playing rugby in San Francisco. From 1996 to 2012 I was an international lawyer based in London, returning in 2013 as the Commercial Manager of the Todd Group. I was a Wellington City Councillor to 2022 and am now a barrister, married with two children aged under 10. I still play competitive rugby.
I have two Masters degrees: one in Petroleum Law and Policy and another in Climate Change Science and Policy. I was an Expert Reviewer for the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change and am concerned that this government’s ineffective climate policy is leading to economy damaging policies that will needlessly increase the cost of energy and negatively impact our farmers. This also affects our most vulnerable - having worked as a lawyer in the justice system, I know that the challenges facing Māori, and other struggling groups, are best overcome by delivering economic independence for all rather than separate civil and political rights.