I currently work as a Solicitor on the Commercial Team at Mactodd Lawyers. My key areas of work include residential conveyancing, trusts and estate planning.

In August 2017 I became the community representative on the Benefit Review Committee (BRC) for the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago Districts. The position was appointed by the Minister of Social Development (MSD) - it was a five-year appointment. In 2022 my five-year term expired so I applied and was appointed again for a second five-year term.For the past seven years I've sat on numerous hearings in both districts and heard from applicants from all walks of life. The BRC hears cases from beneficiaries who would like a review of their benefit application. As the community representative I provide an independent and impartial perspective when making decisions and determining key findings.I often chair BRC hearings and also write the reports that detail the BRC findings. Over the years I've developed good relationships and sound rapport with MSD staff in the region.My role on the BRC has kept me connected with the social sector and well versed in the nuances and intricacies of social security legislation and current MSD operational practice.

From 2018 to May 2024, I was the Senior Official Information Advisor for the Queenstown Lakes District Council. The role included oversight of the strategic direction of official information responses, the handling of Office of the Ombudsman complaints, staff official information education, and the design and implementation of official information process changes. My responsibilities in this role included:- Drafting and reviewing official information responses, including advice on legislative requirements and ombudsman guidance- Mentoring staff - helping upskill team members while constantly strengthening and nurturing positive team relationships- Maintaining positive relationships with external requesters and internal staff across all departments and staffing levels, including the executive- Workload triaging and delegation among the team- Design and implementation of official information learning materials for council staff- Development and implementation of official information process improvements and technological solutions.

My responsibilities in this role included:- Preparing / writing meeting agendas and minutes- Contributing to key centre decision-making- Ensuring the centre was meeting all legislative requirements- Parent education courses- Welcoming new families to the centre

My responsibilities in this role included:- Management of a portfolio of reintegration and employment interventions, initiatives, contracts and services- Research and analysis of the effectiveness of contracts and their delivery, as well as recommending new opportunities- Procurement of services, including contract negotiation and drafting- Monitoring and overseeing the design and delivery of services, including advice on contract variations- Stakeholder engagement and relationship management within the Department, across Departments, and with the private sector providers.

I was seconded as the Lead Advisor to a 6 month project that reviewed the Department of Correction’s handling of official information. Writing Official Information Act (OIA) guidance and developing an OIA training package for frontline staff were my key project deliverables. The project touched 10,000 staff and was scrutinised and guided by the executive leadership team.

My responsibilities in this role included:• Advising senior and executive leaders on key business decisions related to prison case management services• Managing communications with operational managers (e.g. Prison Directors)• Developing and implementing departmental strategic projects• Writing and reviewing operational case management guidance• Designing and delivering staff training packages• Mentoring and developing new staff.