Bachelor of Town Planning, M.Phil (History), PhD (planning).  Extensive experience in strategy and policy development, and delivery, with a sustainable development focus.  Author of ‘Building the New Zealand Dream’.  

Twenty years management experience in local government, including working at Waitakere City at the time of its eco-city leadership.  Major emphasis on working with and empowering local communities, and working with iwi, hapu and pan-tribal groups.  Experience in community enterprise development, urban planning, social, cultural, economic and environmental policy and project delivery, infrastructure investment and management strategies, including water conservation and supply, and waste management.  Initiator of Energise Ōtaki concept.  More recent focus on clean technology and waste to energy projects.