I am 47 and live here in Motueka with my wife and our two sons.

For seven years I have been a member of Nelson/Tasman Urban Search and Rescue Team and was deployed to both Christchurch earthquakes as well as many regional flooding events.

I am a board member of the Nelson based ‘Shortbread Trust’, helping disadvantaged children in developing countries.
I also write a financial blog called ‘Blackers blog’ at http://kiwiblackers.blogspot.co.nz/, where I try to de-mystify some of the global and local financial issues we currently face.
I am a practitioner and past teacher of the Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do. I have competed in several British tournaments achieving gold at regional level and bronze at national level. I have completed a UK Junior Team Managers award in football coaching and assist with the coaching of my sons’ football team. I also help with coaching at the Motueka Athletics club on our Monday club nights.

I have a keen interest in Bushcraft and enjoy spending time outdoors locally and around the South Island, walking, kayaking, camping, skiing, hunting and sharing ‘bush’ time with my sons. Closer to home I get just as messy in the veggy patch or out with the dog.