Parliament
Spokesperson for State Services and Special Education.

Associate Foreign Affairs, and Arts, Culture & Heritage spokesperson.

Member of the Government Administration Select Committee

Convenor of the Rainbow Caucus.

Previous Work
I worked at the United Nations in New York – as a New Zealand diplomat, representing NZ views on environment, economic development, population, overseas aid and South Pacific issues. I was the Vice President of the Board of the UN Development Programme and UN Population Fund.

I managed NZ Overseas Aid Programme to Samoa – a $7.7 million fund with projects in diverse areas such basic education, healthcare, public sector capacity building, small business development, empowerment of women.

I was an advisor to the Prime Minister and to the Hon. Marian Hobbs. Prior to the election, I was working promoting and developing the basic and commercial research activities of the University of Otago in Wellington.

I was elected to Parliament in November, 2008, the Member for Wellington Central.

Qualification
BA (Hons) Political Studies, University of Otago

Advocacy and community
Trustee (Member of Governing Board), New Zealand Aids Foundation, 2005-2008

Student Politics: President of the New Zealand University Students Association and Otago University Students Association (elected full time advocacy and lobbying roles)

Life
I live in Northland/Wilton with my partner Alf.

I grew up in Dunedin, born in Palmerston North, lived in Hastings as well. Have been in Wellington for nearly 14 years (apart from time away as a diplomat).

I spend too much time watching sport – particularly rugby, cricket, still play a bit of indoor netball, squash, etc.

I enjoy cooking, movies, listening to New Zealand music and reading New Zealand literature.