I was born and raised in Franklin, have farmed here for 44 years, am married to Gael and we have a 23-year-old daughter. We run a beef-fattening farm in Franklin in addition to having commercial interests in Pukekohe. I am a member of the Franklin Local Board, currently Deputy Chair, Local board representative on the Pukekohe Business Association, Vice chair Rural Advisory Panel, Vice Chair Manukau Forum and President of Auckland Federated Farmers. I believe that a strong rural and commercial voice is vital to Franklin, and my aspirations will continue to include, within Team Franklin: rural viability and sustainability; the environment; encouraging employment; rural and commercial business growth in our area; well-planned future infrastructure and development relative to the proposed growth within the Unitary Plan for Franklin, advancing new arterial routes - especially in the future northern Pukekohe ring road sections, walking and cycling trails.