As an eighth-generation Nelsonian, I am committed to advancing the city that I know and love. We enjoy a unique lifestyle, with a wonderful climate, vibrant creative community, and easy access to beaches, rivers, ocean, and mountains. Having enjoyed all that Whakatū Nelson has to offer, I’m standing for Council to give back to the community, to use my skills and experience to help shape a better future for all of us.
During my primary school years I lived in a state house in the Brook Valley, in a solo-mother household with my two sisters. I played representative hockey and learnt a lot from growing up in a household under conditions of material hardship.
I was fortunate to attend university and found that I loved geology. I completed BSc and MSc degrees at the University of Canterbury, took a year out to travel in the UK, Europe, and North Africa, and then undertook a PhD degree in Australia. At this time, I married and started a family. This was followed by a two-year research position in Japan and a three-year research position at the University of Canterbury, along with lecturing work.
In 2006 I established Stallard Scientific Editing, providing scientific editing services to clients in Asia, Europe, and elsewhere. The business has grown steadily over time, employs around thirty staff, and brings foreign earnings into the Whakatū Nelson economy.
In recent years I’ve become increasingly involved in community groups such as Zero Carbon Nelson Tasman and Save the Maitai, and have pursued my own projects such as developing a climate change explainer
website and giving talks on the subject. In the 2020 general election I stood as the Green Party candidate in Nelson.
As a geologist I understand the long-term context and science of climate change and the need to transform our systems of transport, energy and food production. The next Council term will be a time of great change, and more than ever we need Councillors who understand the complexities of the path ahead, communicate well and engage with the community, and are prepared to lead and to make positive change. This is my pledge to the people of Whakatū Nelson.