I love the vibrant energy, talent and diversity of our Wakatipu community and see this as one of our greatest assets.

Currently I am on the:

• Kelvin Peninsula Community Association committee, which works on issues from storm water to reserves and organises community activities.
• Queenstown Community Network, comprising long-term locals who act as a voice for residents on issues facing Queenstown.
• Elderly Health Care work group, working towards an aged health care facility for Wakatipu.
• Kelvin Peninsula revegetation work group, aiming to ensure the peninsula's future as a recreational and landscape resource for the district.
• Rees Reserve work group, seeking consensus between nearby residents and Melview Developments on the future of Rees Reserve.

Additionally, I am a member of the:

• For Pete's Sake Choir
• Wakatipu Ski Club
• Otago Ski Club
• Queenstown Bay Etchells Sailing Club
• Queenstown Business Network

In the past I have contributed on the committees of:

• Frankton Playcentre, five years in various roles.
• Wakatipu Ski Club, nine years writing newsletters and organising the members’ babysitting club.
• Queenstown Businesswomen’s Network, one year helping organise meetings.

My husband, John, is on the Queenstown Primary School PTA, Wakatipu Trails Trust and New Zealand United World College Trust. We also have an active interest in Wakatipu High School, as we extend our family by "borrowing" big sisters for our daughter, Hebe, through the school's international student programme.

I have participated in nearly every council public workshop and consultation process these past 12 years – not because I am a policy geek, but because I care about our community.

I have also contributed to various other public interest issues, for example:

• Peninsula Road safety – I am leading the effort to make considerable changes to the consented access for Kawarau Falls Station, to improve safety for all road users. More Info...
• School bus stops – I led the effort to gain funding to build local school bus stops.
• Hilton Hotel height intrusion –I have taken an active role throughout the resource consent process for this proposed Frankton Road development, which I see as a benchmark decision on the balance between developers, residents and the community. More Info...
• Lowering the lake level – I worked to stop QLDC from lowering the entire Lake Wakatipu when it started on a misguided flood prevention plan with enormous financial, environmental and recreational costs, from which the research predicted dubious benefit.
• Excessive council charges – since writing to the ombudsman four years ago, I have continued to try and persuade the council to reduce its excessive spa and pool inspection charge, currently 10 times or more what other councils charge.

As the above examples show, I am not afraid of working hard or, if necessary, against the tide to gain broad community benefits.

Council sets the scene for our community and I think this role has never been more important than now. We are at a critical threshold as we transform from small town to little city.

We face the real challenge of how to retain the wonderful essence that makes this a great place to live, to put down roots and to bring up children. Retaining this positive dynamic is essential if we are to remain a prosperous and thriving community. I welcome your support in achieving this.