I'm a passionate Wellingtonian.  I was born in Christchurch, grew up in the Hutt Valley, first in Taita then Kelson before spending 10 years in Brisbane.  I’ve also lived in Auckland and Perth.  But my home for the last 11 years, and the city that I belong in, is Wellington.

I've been working for the Labour Party in Parliament since 2002. I've worked with Helen Clark and Michael Cullen and I'm currently the Policy Director in the Office of Phil Goff.  I'm proud of my time working with Phil, Helen and Michael.  It has been an honour to work with such great New Zealanders and to play a small part in their work building a fairer, more inclusive New Zealand with a stronger sense of pride and identity.

I have a law degree from Victoria University of Wellington and an MA in politics from Auckland University.  I also serve on the Board of Directors of Charlton Brown a medium size private training organisation based in Brisbane.  I have spent time working for Charlton Brown in Indonesia.  Working with Charlton Brown I have had to grapple with the impact of government decision making on small to medium businesses.  I have also seen how commitment, drive and sheer hard work can move a small business to a medium size business.