A little bit about me…
I’m a local dad who wants Nelson to be the very best that it can be. I’m not invested in any political camp. Instead, I bring my values to every decision: consistency, thoughtful leadership, customer focus, and long-term thinking.
I value independent thinking and steady leadership. If you like the sound of that, read a little further…
My story
I moved to Nelson aged 12, as a boarding student at Nelson College.
Numbers came naturally to me - but so did a deep care for people on the margins.
When I was young, my father suffered a severe brain injury. Growing up with that experience shaped my understanding of compassion and the value of supporting people dealt a difficult hand.
At 16, I secured a job at a local accounting firm. I finished school and first I spent three months learning and volunteering at a homeless shelter in London before returning to Nelson to begin my career.
I met Ruby - who is now my wife - and after two years in accountancy, I re-trained at NMIT as a social worker. I realised my skills in finance, strategy, and big-picture thinking could make a tangible difference in our community.
I have always sought to use my skills where they can make the most difference.
While studying, Ruby and I became foster parents, alongside raising our own children.
We took on ‘transition to independence’ placements, helping 16- and 17-year-olds gain life skills and confidence before stepping into the adult world. These placements took the form of ‘flatting with additional support’, rather than Ruby and I taking on the role of ‘Mum and Dad’.
I noticed the standard foster care model wasn’t meeting these young people’s needs. I wrote a proposal for a new, tailored service. It was funded, implemented, and it sparked my passion for improving systems and policy.
This made me begin to wonder why policy and decision-making doesn’t always appear to achieve the best outcomes for the people it’s designed to serve. I considered if there were areas where my voice could provide a nudge in the right direction.
I believe systems should work for people - not the other way around.
Policy and social impact
We all take for granted the services that council provides. When Council is doing its job well — clean water, safe public spaces, reliable transport - we hardly notice. But when these falter, the effects are immediate and far-reaching.
Add to this the challenge that every service must be paid for, and that local families are under pressure. We need to strike a careful balance - free from left–right politics, poor oversight, and personal agendas.
Good governance isn’t about politics - it’s about people.
Why council matters
Why I’m standing
I find self-promotion so uncomfortable. Yet for our community to choose good representatives, you need to have the chance to get to know them. I love serving the community in this way - but I’m not desperate.
If my values align with yours, then I am confident that I have the skills, experience, and strength of character to serve Nelson well for another term. If you see the world differently - that’s okay! Take the time to consider your representatives and reach out if you have any further questions.
If you want the next Council to be thoughtful, balanced, and focused on what matters, I’d love your support.