Educated Murchison District High School. BA (Waikato);
Post Graduate Diploma in Dental Nursing. Worked as a Dental Nurse from 1967-81.
Tutor at School of Dental Nurses 1982-84, Wellington.

Appointed Chief Executive Palmerston North Enterprise Board 1991-93.
Former Vice President State Dental Nurses Institute.
Trustee Disabled Persons Assembly Trust, 1989-91.
Trustee Olive Tree Retirement Village Trust from 1992.

Member of the Labour Party since 1972.

Held various offices, and on Executive from 1991-92.
Elected Labour Party MP for Horowhenua 1984.
Appointed Under-Secretary to Ministers of Social Welfare, Tourism, Employment and Youth Affairs 1987-89.
August 1989 -90 Minister of Employment, Immigration, Minister of Youth Affairs.
Special role as Minister assisting PM to liase between Cabinet and Caucus.
Lost seat in 1990. Successfully re-elected as Labour Party MP for Miramar 1993.
Placed at number 6 on list for 1996 election.

Enjoys reading, films, theatre, gardening, walking.