Mayor and councillors

I bring more than 45 years of senior leadership, executive, and operational experience across the mining, supply chain, logistics, and international trade sectors. My career has encompassed major projects in infrastructure development, business management, contract negotiation, and risk governance, working collaboratively with stakeholders, industry partners, and government agencies throughout New Zealand and overseas. I am results-driven, strategic, and committed to performance standards that deliver measurable value for ratepayers. As Mayor, my focus is on leading Council, strengthening governance, transparency, and accountability to ensure that Council decisions are made with professionalism, integrity, and sound financial stewardship. 

Born and bred in Westport, I am the fourth generation of my family to be associated with the mining industry, with a continuous family presence in Buller spanning 100 years. I have lived and worked in the district for much of my life and maintain strong connections across the community, business, and industry networks. My professional background has kept me actively engaged in economic development initiatives that have supported employment and contributed to both regional and national growth. I remain deeply committed to Buller’s long-term prosperity and to ensuring that our communities are represented with integrity, transparency, and practical leadership.

Now serving my sixth term on Council after one term away, my connection to the Buller runs deep, from Karamea, Seddonville, Mokihinui, Waimangaroa, Westport, Charleston, Reefton, Blacks Point and Ikamatua. After seven generations in one district, you're definitely connected. It's therefore no surprise that I'm drawn to history and our colonial wooden buildings are a passion.

I'm a committee member of Reefton Historic Trust Board, having joined in 1979, spending seven years as chairperson. The Trust own and maintain the Courthouse, Oddfellows Hall and Reefton Railway Precinct. I'm a committee member of Reefton Powerhouse Trust which has restored the 1888 Historic Power Scheme. I'm a chairperson of the Reefton Visitors Centre Committee and currently chair of the Reefton Health Trust, a group working to establish core services lost with the closure of Reefton's hospital.

My motto is “enable communities to be healthy, develop and grow”.

Over the past three years I’ve had the privilege of representing Northern Buller, showing up, listening, and working alongside people to make real progress on community projects and communication.

I’m practical, super local and like to get things done. Whether it’s helping halls and groups access funding or working through local issues together, I believe in being visible, approachable, and solutions-focused. My background is a mixed bag, from civil defence and the rural fire brigade to trades, mining, and the arts. It’s given me flexibility, strong teamwork skills, and the ability to adapt and think on my feet. I care deeply about keeping our communities strong, supported, and ready for the future.

I’m involved across Northern Buller through a number of roles and memberships. I serve as Chair of CAN-B (Community Action Northern Buller), supporting communityled development and contracting a Community Connector. I also contribute to local subcommittees in both support and governance roles, and I’m a member of the Buller Miners’ District Community Centre Society and the Northern Buller Health Trust.

I’ve taken part in the Westport Master Planning process and contributed to the Promoting Buller project through brand identity work. Within Council, my portfolio has included the Regional Transport Committee and the Small and Rural Communities portfolio.
I also serve with the Seddonville Rural Fire Force, act as Civil Defence Coordinator for St Helens creating community plans & on call in events and help facilitate community meetings across our townships.

I love helping people connect, share ideas, and build relationships. This is my home, and I’m committed to representing our communities, building trust to be their voice around the council table.

I bring 9 years of governance experience as an elected member of BDC along with a wealth of alternative governance experience in a number of other organisations both local and national.

Having been part of the Buller community for the last 54 years I remain committed to ensuring Buller Kawatiri is a place that people are proud to call home.

I am extremely grateful for the community’s confidence shown by electing me for a second term.

I will continue to employ my financial knowledge and skills to ensure satisfactory outcomes for the District communities.

I intend to continue my availability for discussions with community members through the various options available. I have always been people and community minded. This will continue during the ensuing three years.