I come from a pioneering family in Raglan that dates back to 1836 when the Rev James Wallis established the first Weslian mission in the district. I was born and raised on a sheep and dairy farm in Okete Raglan.
Prior to returning to farming in 2000 we spent ten years with a non-for-profit mission organisation. My wife Shayney and I bought our first farm in 2004.
We spent several years travelling into SE Asia during this time doing mission work. The latter half of the ten years I spent as a campaign director in events management with the same organisation working in Australia, the U.S and India.
I have been on the Fonterra Shareholders’ Council representing farmers in the Hamilton ward since 2013. During this time I have taken every opportunity to up skill in the areas of Governance and Representation. This has included completing the Kellogg rural leadership programme and the Fonterra Governance Development Program.
I have also served on the Board of Trustees for Te Uku primary school for four years in the mid 2000’s. I have a Diploma in Agri Business Management.