my story
My family is at the heart of everything I do. With two young kids, I see every day why it matters that Christchurch is a safe, inclusive, and future-focused city.
I want them to grow up in a city that gives them opportunities and a community they are proud of.
Outside of Council, I enjoy biking around the neighbourhood, swimming with my kids, and working on new ideas that combine community and innovation.
Below is a bit about me, my experience and how I proudly came to be your City Councillor for Riccarton.
2011-2014
I first got involved in the community through basketball. Coaching and mentoring young people started as a way to give back but quickly became something bigger. It was about creating safe spaces, building confidence, and helping young people believe in themselves. Those years taught me the value of showing up, being consistent, and standing alongside people. That approach has shaped everything I’ve done since.
2015–2017
I moved deeper into community work, helping families connect with education, training, and job opportunities. Working alongside people, I saw the challenges they faced every day and how much difference the right support can make. It was also the time I first stepped into governance, learning how to take the voices of the community into the rooms where decisions were being made. It confirmed for me that leadership is not about speaking over people, it is about making sure they are heard.
2018–2020
During these years, I started working with organisations to improve how they engaged with diverse communities. At the same time, I kept building my basketball programmes — eventually coaching more than 5,000 young people across Christchurch. It was about more than sport, it was about creating pathways for young people to succeed here and overseas.
I was also invited to speak internationally in places like Germany, the USA, Japan, and the UAE. Sharing ideas on culture, innovation, and community showed me that the lessons from home can connect with people all around the world.
2020–2022
I took on bigger leadership roles, including as director at Mahaanui Kurataiao, operations manager at Noaia Charitable Trust, and as an RMA Commissioner.
These roles gave me experience in planning, environmental decision making, and helping families into work and study. Around this time, I also started working on my consultancy Kaea Innovation, focused on making sure communities have a voice in the future of technology, upscaling their reach through tech, and becoming more accessible.
2022–Now
In 2022, I was elected to represent Riccarton on the Christchurch City Council. Since then, I’ve focused on being a councillor who listens and acts. I pushed for upgrades to Wharenui Pool and Sockburn Park, secured budget for local road renewals, and backed investment in community facilities.
I set up the Riccarton Collective citizens assembly, giving people in our ward a new way to shape decisions. I’ve pushed for safety improvements like better lighting and CCTV, and I’ve worked to bring life back into central Riccarton as a thriving business and community hub.
Day to day, I’ve resolved more than 130 local issues for residents, from street repairs to rubbish collection and planning consents. I’ve led the multicultural and youth portfolios, making sure communities that are often left out have a seat at the table. And I’ve stood firm on protecting our city’s strategic assets, because I believe in planning for the future, not just the next election cycle.