I work in Ecotourism throughout New Zealand as a consultant, travel writer and guide. Most of this work entails designing educational and active itineraries and managing natural history walking tours in New Zealand over summer months. During winter, I drive tour coaches in the South Island and commuter buses in Christchurch, including the very popular and environmentally-friendly yellow electric shuttle bus.
I serve on several local community organizations, which resulted in receiving a Community Service Award from the Shirley/Papanui Community Board. I helped establish The Guardians of the Styx River conservation group and was its first Chair for several years. This successful group, focused upon engaging people in the community to help with protecting and improving the environment of the Styx River and its wider catchment and it has really achieved a great deal for the river. Currently, I'm a trustee of the Styx River Living Laboratory Trust.
With my passion for assisting young people to be actively involved in the great outdoors, I chair the CanSail Youth Sailing Trust, which takes 1700 students each year aboard the yacht ' The Fox' out on Lyttelton Harbour, to give them a real first hand encounter with the sea and sailing. I attended Outward Bound over in Scotland in the UK a few years back for a month to learn about training in outdoor education and survival skills.
I also have been actively involved in New Zealand rowing, representing Christchurch Boys' High, then later, with Canterbury and New Zealand. In Australia I worked managing wilderness lodges in World Heritage National Parks. After work I was involved with surf life saving. On the Gold Coast I received the Australian Bi-Centennial medal for my efforts there.
I studied Environmental Science at Massey University as an extramural student, majoring in environmental management of New Zealand and global biodiversity. These studies have really given me an understanding of the human impact on the natural environment past, present and future and what we must all do to safeguard Canterbury against over development, pollution and restoring native ecosystems. I believe that pushing for cleaner waterways, protection of coastal ecosystems, streamlining our existing public transport, improving waste management and safeguarding natural open spaces and air quality are paramount for achieving a sustainable future.
Encouraging native birds back into Christchurch and Canterbury through sensible planting of native trees by the formation of interlinked green corridors is something I would like to see more of. I would like to see further improvement landscaping with the formation of natural waterways from the box drain systems that flow through our suburbs. Many of these natural enhancing aspects will create the much needed green spaces for all to enjoy and bring back our aquatic, terrestrial and bird life once more.
Mainstreaming the concept of sustainability of our environment and supporting local community environmental care initiatives is something I would like to be achieving with the Christchurch 2021 team. Many other political teams have asked me to join with them in this election because of my experience and profile. I have now sought the opportunity to be a Christchurch 2021 ECan candidate because of its clear vision, its team and leadership. I want to maintain the gains made by ECan under Sir Kerry Burke's leadership and build on them along with my fellow Christchurch 2021 candidate Cr Anne Carroll in Christchurch North
Fly fishing, tramping and surfing are recreational activities I often pursue in my leisure time, all of which rely so much on a clean healthy environment. I am passionate to keep it that way for now and in the future, however possible.
Over recent years I have taken a proactive interest in most of the major water and air quality issues in Canterbury and have participated in many of the forums relating to those, including the Central Plains irrigation scheme proposal seminars and the Fish and Game discussions. Recently I attended the International Landcare conference in Melbourne as a representative of a New Zealand conservation group. I was impressed by the efforts of many countries towards their role in reducing global warming, something we need more consideration for now that we are seeing its effects.
I live in St Albans in the heart of Christchurch North with Patrica who is a teacher at Avonside Girls' High. We love this part of the world and walk our dog "Duke" daily with us through the local 'living streets' and parks. We have both been keenly active in safeguarding and enhancing the natural and historical qualities of our area.
My challenge is to work for a better future and a better now here in Christchurch North and throughout New Zealand. I feel it is vital and only natural that our community should embrace principles of sustainability to maintain and enhance New Zealand's quality of life.
If you have any concerns or issues surrounding our environment and would like to talk with me about those, I would be delighted to listen to your views and discuss with you what can be done to assist in those matters.
I'm asking for your support please, to be your representative in Christchurch North as your elected ECan Councillor with the right experience, positive attitude, essential skills and Environmental qualifications required for such a privileged position.
