I am passionate about our environment. One of the reasons I stood for Parliament is that I believe that the greatest asset our country has is our environment.  I am a Bluegreen caucus member (www.bluegreens.org.nz). I have been a member of the Local Government and Environment Select Committee for over two and a half years.

I believe that we cannot have significant environmental progress unless environmental issues move from being fringe issues to mainstream. Our ability to deliver a better urban environment is dependent on better waste management, water and transport policies.

The Auckland Central electorate includes a large part of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. While I believe that some progress has been made with the park there is much more to do. I am working with the forum and the Auckland Council to look at how we can strengthen the management of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.

Local achievements

Assisted in the development of the Auckland Bluegreens restoration of Meola Creek (we recently won an award)

• Developed the Thrash the Trash campaign to help improve Auckland’s waste management
• Involved in clean-up of Great Barrier Island beaches

 National achievements

• As a member of the Local Government and Environment committee I have been involved in the development of the Environmental Protection Authority and the reform of the Resource Management Act
• Successfully opposed mining on Great Barrier Island