I am the youngest child of Tom and Alice Welsh. I was born in Te Kopuru in 1966 and grew up on a dairy farm on Oneroa road, Pouto. I attended Pouto primary school and this was followed by Dargaville High school. I have three children aged 15, 18 and 21.

 

I currently live in Whangarei with my partner and my daughter. My work history has seen me spend several years in the forestry sector, time overseas in the shearing sheds and a number of years as a foreman installing underground cable’s across the upper North Island. Following this I moved into the agricultural industry and dairy farming in 1993 working through to farm ownership in 2005 and exiting in 2015. Throughout, I have developed strong strategic and business acumen, networks and understanding of financial decision making and processes.

 

Through sound business decision and a strong sustainable economic base, I believe there are still many avenues available for Te Uri o Hau to improve and grow the opportunities for its beneficiaries, particularly by continuing to develop and support education, social and employment initiatives. I currently sit as a trustee on the Pouto Topu A Trust, and as a director on Hanerau Farms. I have recently been employed as a tutor three days a week by Taratahi agriculture training providers.

 

I am continuously trying to improve my knowledge and skills to deliver and contribute positively and constructively in all situations. I fully accept and understand the commitment, time and responsibilities required to fulfill the role of a trustee. I have a forward thinking approach which acknowledges the decisions we make today determines our paths well into the future.

 

If successful in securing this role I believe the values of respect, integrity, honesty and humility handed down through my parents will serve me well as a trustee for Te Uri o Hau.