About Me

Ko te Papaioea toku kainga rua.

I grew up in Palmerston North after my family and I fled the Congolese Civil War 19 years ago. We had nothing but the clothes on our backs. Palmerston North made us feel welcome and gave us every opportunity to build a good life and contribute to our community.

I was educated right here in Palmy, attending Freyberg High School, before studying at Massey University.

At Massey, I gained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Politics, Social Policy, and Development Studies, as well as a Master of Arts (MA) with an endorsement in Politics and International Relations (First Class Honours).

I have a professional background in the public service, first as a staffer in Parliament, and then as an adviser at the Ministry of Education where I worked to ensure that every child had the tools and support they needed to succeed.

I returned from Wellington in 2020 seeking to serve my community as a City Councillor because I believe it’s important for our city to realise its full potential as a place where people, their communities, enterprises and businesses can flourish.

Palmerston North is where I belong. This city nurtured me and helped me to thrive. I want to use my position as an elected representative on Council to give back and help others grow and thrive.

Outside my City Council role, I volunteer for Red Cross; am a member of the Milson Rotary Club; a board member of the Manawatū Community Housing Trust; and an active member of my church.

Palmerston North is where I belong. This city nurtured me and helped me to thrive. I want to use my position as an elected representative on Council to give back and help others grow and thrive. Outside my City Council role, I volunteer for Red Cross; am a member of the Milson Rotary Club; a board member of the Manawatū Community Housing Trust; and an active member of my church.

Palmerston North is where I belong. This city nurtured me and helped me to thrive. I want to use my position as an elected representative on Council to give back and help others grow and thrive.

Palmy is a great place that has the potential to be so much more. Working together we have what it takes to shape a vibrant, prosperous, and inclusive future for Palmy.

It’s a future I am committed to and excited about and hope to have your support.