The following interview was published in the Nelson Weekly recently.
1. What inspired you to run for this position?
I’m an architect, small business owner, and mother of three young adults. I’ve worked within community groups organising events, looking at creative solutions to make our city more liveable and our urban spaces more vibrant. I believe the council can work more closely with the design, construction, and development sectors to deliver solutions that meet our community’s needs today while planning wisely for the future.
2. What experiences have best prepared you for public office?
My work professionally and as branch chair of the Institute of Architects and PTA Secretary, I’ve coordinated events and made committee decisions that required teamwork, balancing multiple stakeholders, and navigating competing needs. These experiences taught me how to bring people together to find practical workable solutions.
3. What are the top three issues facing our community, and how would you address them?
Manage rates cost with smart growth: The best way to keep rates affordable is to spread the costs across more people, and the smartest way to do that is by growing inwards, not outwards. By intensifying our city centre and making better use of the homes we already have, we can create more affordable, self-contained apartments, home-and-income options, and spaces that allow seniors to stay in their own neighbourhoods. This approach adds vibrancy, supports local businesses, and avoids costly urban sprawl, all while protecting the character that makes our neighbourhoods special.
Future proof with infrastructure upgrades: We need to prepare for more frequent and intense weather by upgrading stormwater systems, strengthening flood protection, and using smart, nature-based solutions like permeable surfaces and better water storage. Planning ahead now will protect people, property, and save costs in the long run.
Ease road congestion with alternatives: We can ease traffic by giving people real alternatives to driving—especially for short trips like the school run. A safe, continuous cross-city cycleway linking every school would let students bike confidently, reduce cars in peak hours, and make streets safer. Expanding cycling options means healthier kids, cleaner air, and freer roads for those who need them most.
4. What long-term changes would you like to see in our city over the next 5–10 years?
A vibrant, intensified city centre that is cheaper to maintain, reduces congestion, and supports a mix of affordable housing—from shared equity and rent-to-buy to investment options and student accommodation. However we will need to support our existing businesses through the transition so they thrive in the revitalised heart of the city.
5. How would you describe your leadership style?
Collaborative and empowering. As an architect, I bring clients, consultants, and trades together to solve complex problems. In council, I’d encourage creative thinking, confident expression of ideas, and collective problem-solving to get the best outcomes.
6. What values guide your decision-making?
Honesty, integrity, and wisdom—always with a future focus. I want decisions to serve today’s residents and honour tomorrow’s, creating a sustainable city we can all share.
7. What do you believe is the most misunderstood issue in our community?
Building new roads solves congestion—it doesn’t. It just shifts the problem further down the road at huge cost. We need to provide better alternatives like safe cycling, walking routes, and neighbourhoods where daily needs are within easy reach.
8. What do you love most about living in this community?
The strong community spirit, international outlook, and relaxed friendliness. It’s a place I chose to live in, return to, and always feel part of.
9. What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I represented New Zealand in competitive skydiving—a sport where planning for the unexpected is essential, and knowing when not to act can be as important as taking decisive action.