By-Election 2025 - 2026

Having lived with my family in Ōkāreka for 10 years and holidaying at Tarawera for 20, I am deeply committed to our lakes. Recently retiring as Chair of the Lake Ōkāreka Community Association, l have led successful project delivery, funding, operational management, and strengthened relationships with local government and mana whenua.

It is time for a fresh approach. The Community Board has had poor engagement and currently focuses too much on operational minutiae rather than strategic advocacy. My vision is to devolve funding directly to our communities and establish robust reporting lines to advance community issues. We must focus on long-term resilience, environmental sustainability, and genuine representation.

I propose an audit of the Board's effectiveness, aiming to transition its functions to direct community advocacy. Let’s move from long meetings to real action. I offer proven governance experience and a strong working professional background to drive this necessary evolution.

Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa.

I have a long-standing commitment to, and deep love of, our lakes communities. The lakes are the jewel in our crown culturally, environmentally and economically, and they deserve strong advocacy and equitable access to resources.

I have been involved with lakes issues for many years, serving as Chair of the Lake Rotoiti Community Association. I worked constructively with Rotorua Lakes Council alongside the late Phill Thomas, long standing Chair of the Lakes Community Board, for example on improving digital connectivity for lakes communities. I would be honoured to continue his legacy of practical, committed service to our communities.

In my professional life, I am an experienced senior leader, with a background across the health, justice, and business sectors in public and private environments. If elected, I will be a strong advocate for our lake’s communities. I ask for your support in these elections.

Being born and raised in Lake Tarawera and now proudly raising my family here has given me a deep, personal connection to the Rotorua Lakes community. Alongside owning and operating a local security business and serving as Chief of the Tarawera Volunteer Fire Brigade, I have an in-depth understanding of the area’s unique needs and challenges. I am dedicated to advocating for our districts and ensuring that all residents feel safe, engaged, and valued all while striving for the best outcomes for our communities and the beautiful environments in which we live in.

With my daily work and extensive community involvement I have fostered excellent relationships with local businesses, community led groups, local Iwi and Mana Whenua. I am seeking to build on and actively strengthen these relationships to support the continued growth and wellbeing of our unique Lakes communities.

My Governance experience includes 6 years on the South Waikato District Council as a District Councillor where I was the chair of the Corporate and Regulatory Committee. I have also been a panel Member on the SWDC Licensing committee. I have been a Resource Management Commissioner for the last 8 years and I have run my own Law Firm for 25 years.

Living in a small community like Rotoehu I have experienced firsthand the impact of severe weather events on a daily basis. Having our roads closed and the lakes rising left significant damage, our beautiful Waitangi Soda Springs was closed for 2 years. I remain concerned at the health of our lakes and want to focus on ensuring that our rural communities are well represented and that our voice is respected and considered with all decisions that affect us. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile.

I reside on my papakāinga in Mourea, near Lake Rotoiti, Lake Rotorua, and the Ōhau Channel, with a lifelong connection to our lakes and waterways. As a descendant of Ngāti Pikiao and Ngāti Mākino, the protection of our 14 lakes and awa is deeply personal and guides my commitment to this region. I bring an Iwi Māori perspective and hands-on experience in kaitiakitanga. I am an experienced governor and executive, now self-employed at KTV Consulting, providing strategic advice to charitable organisations. My previous roles include Chief Executive at Central Kids, Deputy Chief Executive Māori, Strategy and Performance at Department of Internal Affairs, and Chief Executive of Te Arawa Lakes Trust. I have governance experience with Te Pumautanga o Te Arawa, Data Iwi Leaders Group, Central North Island Iwi Holdings, Sport NZ, and a number of advisory roles with Government Agencies.

My journey has been shaped by a deep respect for the land and the people connected to it. I have worked across environmental governance and community development, helping to steward rural land blocks and their natural resources through collaboration, trust, and shared decision-making that honours biodiversity, cultural heritage, and community aspirations.

In Rotorua, my focus is on supporting the long-term wellbeing of our lakes and landscapes through practical planning and strong relationships. My role is one part of a wider collective effort to protect what we have been entrusted with, ensuring that future generations inherit a healthy environment and resilient communities.