I was born in Apia, Samoa, and moved to New Zealand with my family when I was a child. I grew up in South Auckland and went to school at Auckland Grammar. While studying at the University of Auckland for my Bachelor and Masters in Commerce (Hon) and Bachelor of Laws I worked as an intern at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and for the Ministry of Land, Surveys and Environment in Apia.
After graduating I joined Russell McVeagh as a solicitor, working in the area of corporate and commercial law. I later moved to England, where I worked for Bankers Trust as a financial analyst. I went on to earn my MBA from the University of Cambridge (Queens College) before moving to Sydney where I became an executive consultant with Macquarie Bank.
In 2007 I was elected to the Tamaki-Maungakiekie seat on the Auckland City Council and was appointed Chairman of the City Development Committee.
In 2008 I was elected as the MP for Maungakiekie with a margin of 1,942 votes. I’m the Deputy-Chairman of the Commerce Select Committee and a member of the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee.
I'm heavily focused on helping my community and was honoured to be given the high chief title of Peseta. I’m a board member for the First Foundation and the Great Potentials foundation. I'm also a mentor for the I Have a Dream Trust and an active member of the Rotary Club of Penrose and the Greenlane Christian Centre.
In my spare time I enjoy playing rugby – many years ago I played rugby for the New Zealand Barbarians – and I coached the Auckland Under-14 rugby team. I also like playing golf when I get the chance.
My wife Jules and I live in Onehunga, a place we’re proud to call home.
