For 25 years, my professional life has been focused on building businesses and creating opportunities for our country’s creative talent in the educational publishing sector. As a former Air New Zealand/Dominion Businessperson of the Year, I’m proud of my track record in fostering new businesses and new talent, in helping tens of thousands of young New Zealanders achieve their education potential, in creating hundred of jobs for New Zealanders, and in showcasing New Zealand’s creative talent in a demanding international marketplace. I believe strong business advocacy and proven experience in identifying innovative business opportunities goes hand in hand with Labour’s clear focus on better jobs and higher incomes for New Zealanders.

I live and work in the Ilam electorate, and I know that this is an area balancing challenges and opportunities. In the short term, people need clarity, resources and support in order to get on with rebuilding their homes and neighbourhoods. In the medium and long term, we need vision, a constructive attitude, and a strong voice to get behind the individuals, businesses, and educational institutions that offer this electorate so much potential.

This election really is about owning our future – and in Ilam, that means choosing between a future imposed upon us, or one where we are encouraged to shape a vibrant, exciting new direction for ourselves and our families. In my work, I’ve learnt that the greatest asset a person, business or organisation can have is imagination – and I’m excited that Labour’s policies, right from giving our young people the best start in life, through to fostering R&D, demonstrate an imaginative and co-ordinated approach to building a better future.

In Ilam, these policies will create an environment where we can seize the chance to encourage fresh ideas and build a sustainable future showcasing the best of Christchurch’s creativity, technology, and innovative spirit. Throughout New Zealand, they will encourage people to think about constructive, dynamic solutions to the issues we face – and I look forward to being part of the team that will make that future possible.

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