I believe New Zealand has a secret weapon for Covid-19 recovery – Its farmers and primary producers can feed the nations and bring wealth back to our nation. As a nation, we need a strong rural backbone and government policy must encourage and support this in every way possible. Successive governments have failed the primary industry. Rural communities have not been supported with adequate healthcare. Carbon and methane taxes are coming in. Farmers have been painted the villain by faux science.

I have worked all my life in rural communities throughout New Zealand. I have had experience at a management level in sheep, beef, dairy, deer, rural training and ag contracting industries. I have project managed dairy conversions and passed on my skills to the next generation of young farmers. I have also worked with disadvantaged youth in rural communities, so I am very aware of the challenges they face. I believe a strong family unit will give a child the best start possible.

To get my views of a healthier and more sustainable New Zealand across.

I am inventive with a fertile imagination, and the solutions to New Zealand and the world's more pressing problems

I believe we have an opportunity and a duty to dial down the climate crisis. For the past 12 years I've managed an NGO working on local climate solutions together and I know there's no great technical barrier to reducing emissions and adapting to rising sea-levels. The barriers are political and social yet human creativity is a limitless resource and now is the moment to use that to our best ability. I bring passion, a sense of purpose and science-based policy for climate justice in Taieri.

I've been at the frontline of climate and social justice efforts for years now, learning what works and what doesn't. I grew up on a farm where you can't just whistle up help. I find practical solutions to even the most complex problems. I've recently overseen the construction of NZ's first climate safe house and have a wealth of community and industry experience in getting things done. I am passionate about finding sustainable and equitable solutions to include all communities in Taieri.

This is my home. I strongly believe Taieri deserves a strong, local champion to advocate hard in Wellington for our interests. Whether it is our rural communities who are the backbone of our economy, who feed us and the world, or our strong urban centres which have our small businesses, our hospitals and our schools, I want to represent the very best of New Zealand right here in Taieri.

I'm a born and bred Dunedinite and very proud southern man. I went to John McGlashan College and then got my law degree from the University of Otago. Dunedin is my home, it's where I grew up and I feel very strongly about having a strong voice for our area in Parliament. That's why it is such a huge privilege to be running for Parliament this election as National's candidate for the new seat of Taieri.