Date and place of birth Sept 11th 1955, Helensville.

Ethnicity Maori; Pakeha.

Iwi affiliations Ngapuhi, Te Roroa

Current residence and electorate Sandringham, Tamaki Makaurau

Educational and vocational qualifications Bachelor of Arts. (Education and Politics) Auckland University; Master of Science (Hons) (Resource Management) Lincoln University; Graduate Certificate in Higher Education, Unitec.

Current occupation Green M.P.

Previous occupations Sustainable Business Adviser; Lecturer / Academic Programme Manager; Company Manager (Engineering supplies); Self-Employed Retailer (natural /wholefoods), Technical sales representative, Truck driver, Security guard, Storeman, etc.

Other work experience / Community connections Numerous environmental groups, community organisations (including residents / ratepayers and school board of trustees), and have provided professional expertise and knowledge to assist NGO's, especially relating to planning and resource management. Member of the steering committee and establishment board of Environment Institute of Australia New Zealand. Member, Royal Society. Trustee of He Waka Eke Noa Charitable Trust.

Policy Interests/Expertise Currently portfolios include: Environment (RMA, Waste); Auckland Issues; Maori Affairs; Sustainable Business; Commerce; Corrections; Tourism; Tertiary Education; Research, Science, Technology.

My broad political issues In 2010 I worked to build our green profile and credibility within the business sector, and did a lot of networking in the corrections and commerce portfolios. Major work streams in 2011 will include leading our response to the second round of RMA reforms; continued advocacy for the business sector to adopt sustainability as a strategic and operational framework, and planning, transport and other development issues in the enlarged Auckland city.