Date and place of birth  1981, Gisborne

Ethnicity  Pakeha

Current residence and electorate  Wellington, electorate candidate for Ohariu

Educational and vocational qualifications  Victoria University: BA (Religious Studies and History); Post-Graduate Diploma in Political Studies

Current occupation  Member of Parliament for the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand

Previous occupations  Greenpeace Climate Change Campaigner coordinating Sign On campaign (2009); Green Party Climate and Youth Outreach Coordinator (2006-2008); Wellington Provincial Campaign Manager (2008); and various positions held from 2000-2005 for Greenpeace NZ and Australia.

Other work experience (including voluntary/unpaid)  Cleaner, hospital orderly, barman, DJ, fundraiser, telemarketer and supermarket worker.

Community connections  Camp for Climate Action Aotearoa, organising member; deckhand on Rainbow Warrior; member of the Greenpeace NZ Voting Assembly; Greenpeace activist on the boat and climb team; Save Happy Valley Campaign, activist and delegate; Global Young Greens, blog manager and member; Students of Aotearoa Network for the Environment, foundation member; and Royal Society of NZ Environmental Essay Winner.

Policy Interests/Expertise  Sustainable Transport, Climate Change, Youth Issues, Tertiary Education, Oceans, and Libraries and Archives.

My broad political issues  I want to see urgent, meaningful action on climate change and peak oil. I am passionate about smart transport solutions and I’ve introduced legislation to make warm, healthy rentals the norm to reduce the serious effects on many of our poorest and most vulnerable people.

Other  I’m married to Meghan and father to children Arlo, three years-old, and Zoe, one month. Read more about me on www.greens.org.nz/people/garethhughes

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