Authorised by Ben Farrell, 19 Fantail Lane, +6421767622

Our economy is underpinned by having a healthy environment to enable property rights to be enjoyed. This includes the need for an abundance of healthy freshwater and biodiversity. Our degraded natural systems need to be restored – acknowledging the timing to achieve improvements will take time.

As an ORC councillor I would bring 25 years of study and practice in urban and infrastructure development and environmental policy, plus support for growth and the protection of private and collective property rights. I have the capabilities to support strong local governance, which is needed at this time of unprecedented central government intervention and threats to our constitutional framework and local democracy. 

My governance and leadership qualities have been demonstrated through over twenty years’ experience for multiple organisations. I am currently the President of the New Zealand Resource Management Law Association and until recently was on the national board of the New Zealand Planning Institute where I remain a full member.  I am also an accredited RMA commissioner.

As an environmental planner I’m a civil servant at heart. I’m here to help lead our communities through listening and speaking up. My ties to Otago and Queenstown are strong.  I’ve lived here for a decade with my wife and two teenage children.

I want you and your family to be prosperous. I would like to help resolve resource management issues around the council table rather than fighting over resource management in court (where I have spent much of my time). I also understand issues such as the need for improvement and private sector investment in our transport systems.

My work experience includes a decade in Wellington advising a range of clients including the big power companies, infrastructure developers, councils and government departments. This has led to lasting ties to politicians and national bureaucracy. In Otago, I’ve provided expertise in support of numerous developers, rural landowners, and environmental NGOs including Otago Fish and Game and Forest and Bird in important court proceedings in respect of freshwater.

I see the “Regional Deal” as an opportunity for the Otago Central Lakes to get some traction with Central Government – I will be a firm voice advocating for the regulatory settings we need to respond to the unique issues facing us.

Living in Queenstown, I’m an ordinary kiwi bloke with strong family ties to Otago and postgrad qualifications from Lincoln University in management and environmental policy, plus decades of expertise in regional and urban planning

I know how to work collaboratively with both private business and community interests, as well as with bureaucrats within our local government and in Wellington.   My work is about helping you and all of us shape a prosperous, resilient future for this region – for us and our children after us.