why i’m running again
When I first put my hand up to serve, I didn’t expect to make local government a long-term commitment. My decision came from a deep sense of duty – to step in, help where I could, and represent our community in the way it deserves. Over the past three years, that sense of duty has only grown stronger. I’ve seen first-hand what’s possible when we truly listen, learn, and act – no matter someone’s background or viewpoint. That’s what the people I admire most have always done – they’ve been open, empathetic, and willing to learn.
What keeps me motivated are the people I’ve come to know so well: neighbours who share their hopes and concerns, young people who want to feel they have a future here, and older residents who still believe in the potential of this place. Those conversations fuel me. I love the intergenerational side of my work – from collaborating with students to keep pools affordable, to listening to renters about better amenities, to working alongside long-term residents to protect the character of their streets. Carrying those voices with me is at the heart of why I’m running again.
When I first ran in 2022, I saw a style of leadership that didn’t feel right – the kind that talks about “local voice” but doesn’t bring it with them, and the kind of old-school adversarial politics that’s frankly stuck in the past. Times are changing, and our politics needs to change too. The traditional adversarial approach might catch headlines, but it doesn’t create lasting solutions. We need leadership that looks ahead – for us, and for those who come after us.
Here’s what I’ve learned: every councillor brings their own golden insights – their unique life stories and professional experiences open windows to perspectives I wouldn’t otherwise see. I might not know the life journey of a 65-year-old man, but I know how to listen. My upbringing as a Māori has shaped who I am, my experiences living and working in a multicultural community have broadened my horizons, and the challenges I’ve faced – from the terror attack to the earthquakes to the ups and downs of my professional life – have strengthened my resolve. All of these experiences fuel my passion to serve and build a better future for us all.
I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together: investing in better roads and green spaces, supporting new initiatives for safer walking and cycling, and solving more than 100 local issues, big and small. But there’s more to do. I’m running again because I believe in steady, open-minded leadership. Because I believe in listening to everyone, weighing up every perspective, and standing up for what’s right – even when it’s not easy.
Most of all, I’m running again because I care deeply about Riccarton’s future. This isn’t a job, it’s a privilege. I want to help build a city that’s not just for today, but for the next generation too. Because that’s what your children would want.
