RESUME
About myself
I am a former two-term (six year) New Zealand Member of Parliament, and magazine columnist, a dual national now resident in the United Kingdom.
In addition to my Parliamentary experience I also served on my Party’s Board of Directors.
For ten years as a freelance journalist I wrote a monthly 2,000 word column entitled Eyes Right, in Investigate Magazine, New Zealand’s leading investigative journal, focusing on current affairs, world events, politics, and social issues. I currently continue to address serious subjects through my own blog, also named Eyes Right, whilst expressing frivolity via Quora.
I am also a regular contributor to motoring website HotCars.
In 2013 my first book, Uncommon Dissent, was published by Investigate’s owners.
I am a winemaker by trade, and I have lengthy experience in a wide range of industries and occupations, including hospitality, freight, mechanical engineering, agricultural machinery, and irrigation.
This enables me to understand, digest, and communicate technical subjects, and translate them for general or specialist consumption.
I have a unique perspective and insight stemming from experience within both private sector business, and central Government.
I am an initiated Reiki Master Teacher, with 28 years experience practicing and teaching Reiki through the Usui Shiki Ryoho, and have had a long association with many complimentary therapies.
Skills
Communication and Public Speaking
Seven years creating and issuing Media Releases, ten years freelance journalism, six years both writing Policy, and writing and delivering speeches in Parliament, campaigning via social media during election campaigns, at public events, to business and interest groups, panel discussions and debates, plus media interviews.
Policy Formation and Analysis
Creating initiatives and drafting policy, and working with caucus Members and Select Committees to understand and resolve issues, accommodate new information from expert and public submitters, apply costings, and create forecast impact analyses.
Highlighted Work History
Parliament
Wellington, New Zealand
Oct 2011 - Sep 2017
Member of Parliament
50th and 51st Parliaments: Member Law & Order Select Committee, Primary Production Select Committee, ICT Subcommittee, Precincts Subcommittee
Spokesperson for Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Biosecurity, Police, Customs, Outdoor Recreation, Animal Welfare, Veteran’s Affairs, State Owned Enterprises, Associate Defence
New Zealand First Party – Board of Directors
2010 - 2012
New Zealand Irrigation Industry
Alexandra & Christchurch, New Zealand
Aug 2007 - Sep 2011 & Jan 2018 – Mar 2019
Sales Engineer
Water Dynamics Division of Tyco
Business Development Manager
Parkland Irrigation Ltd
Branch Manager
The Irrigation Warehouse Ltd
New Zealand Wine Industry
Alexandra and Queenstown, Central Otago, New Zealand
1998 - 2008
Viticulturist
Gibbston Valley Wines Ltd
Winemaker, Viticulturist
William Hill Winery Ltd
Winemaker, Consultant
Hinton Estate Ltd
Winemaker, Stillmaster
Earnscleugh Rd Wine Company Ltd (founding Director)
Vineyard Contractor
R & L Prosser Contracting Ltd (founding Director)
Particular Interests
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Conservation and Environment
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Central Government politics
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Firearms and Military hardware
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World and Military history
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Renewable Energy
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Hunting, Shooting, and Fishing
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World and Current Affairs
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Aviation and Space
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Science and Technology
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Complimentary and Men’s Health
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Wine, of course.
Education
Eastern Institute of Technology
Napier, New Zealand
Certificate in Wine - Grapegrowing & Winemaking
Hauraki Plains College
Ngatea, New Zealand
7th Form, HSC, UE Accredited