My background
Within my wider commercial practice, I have particular interest in the kiwifruit sector and have had two secondments at ZESPRI which has been very valuable in terms of understanding the kiwifruit industry which is so important to our region.
Before joining Cooney Lees Morgan in 2003, I spent two years as a solicitor at Universal Pictures International in London. The first four years of my career were as a solicitor at Buddle Findlay in Wellington where I was in the commercial team and worked with a wide range corporate clients as well as clients in the government sector.
I did my schooling in Rotorua and then went to University at Otago where I graduated with an LLB (honours) - my dissertation was on the enforceability of professional sports contracts which was very interesting but to date has been of very minimal practical benefit!
My life in the Bay of Plenty
Outside of work I am a trustee of the Acorn Foundation which supports a number of local community organisations and this is a role which I really enjoy. I am also very interested in investment and governance matters and I am a director of two investment companies.
When time permits I am active participant and follower of most sports. I am a long suffering Black Caps fan and a keen kontiki fisherman - my fishing returns are generally modest so I like to think of myself as a sustainable fisherman!
Life at home is busy with my wife Rita and four young children - we live in Mount Maunganui and love nothing more than spending time at the beach with friends and family.