Date of birth 01.04.1953

Ethnicity Pakeha Ngāti Tātimana (Dutch)

Current residence Temuka, South Canterbury

Electorate: Rangitata

Educational and vocational qualifications BSc (Nursing), Graduate Certificate Nursing Practice (Gerontology), Graduate diploma in Health Care Management, Certificate Cardio Pulmonary Surgery, Diploma Operating room assistant (theatre nurse), Diploma of Hospitality Management.
Other education: level 2 Te Reo Māori, currently Mauri Ora.

Current occupation Registered Nurse

Previous occupations Waitress, aged care worker, clinical teacher, practical teaching at nursing college, co-convenor nursing advisory committee in large university hospital, union representative on worker's council of medium size hospital.

Other work experience (inc. voluntary/unpaid) teaching assistant (assist children with reading problems), secretary and convenor of the Dutch organisation for theatre assistants LVO (equivalent of theatre nurses). Member and convenor of organising committee for yearly 2-day LVO conference.

Community connections Transition Timaru, Senior Forum in Timaru.

Policy Interests/Expertise Health and wellness, safe/ healthy food, social justice, fair society. Mind the gap, sustainable economy, housing and urban development.

My broad political issues I believe the only way to have a decent future is to create a fair society where each person has a right to a fair income, affordable healthy food, decent housing, access to health care and all levels of education. A society based on the principle that contributions from volunteers, beneficiaries, employees and CEOs are equally considered as assets. In order to create such a society we must consider the environment and be prepared to think ahead more than 3 years (our electoral cycle) and find solutions outside the usual model of growth.

Additional information