I am Labour's MP for Wellington Central. I won the seat at the 2008 election with a majority of 1904 votes. I am Labour's Spokesperson for Health and Associate Spokesperson for Arts, Culture and Heritage (including the National Library and Archives NZ). I am also a member and Deputy Chairperson of the Health Select Committee, and Convenor of the Rainbow Caucus Committee.

I was driven to run for Parliament because of my belief in social justice, and opportunity for all people to achieve their potential. I was politicised by the damage I saw done to my community by legislation such as the Employment Contracts Act, which I experienced first hand working at a supermarket to pay my way through school and university.

At university I became involved in the campaign against user-pays in tertiary education, eventually becoming the President of the Otago University Students Association, and Vice President and then Co-President of the New Zealand University Students Association.

After NZUSA I managed the New Zealand aid programme in Samoa and represented New Zealand at the United Nations in New York. I returned to New Zealand to be an advisor for Marian Hobbs as Minister for the Environment, and then in the office of Prime Minister Helen Clark.

Immediately prior to being elected I was working as Research Business Manager for the University of Otago in Wellington. I am a former trustee of the New Zealand Aids Foundation.

I live on the boundary of the suburbs of Northland and Wilton, with my civil union partner, Alf. I am a keen sports fan, particularly cricket, rugby and the mighty Wellington Phoenix. I am also a fan of New Zealand music and literature, and love cooking and movies.

Top 5 Issues

Personal Profile