Jo believes small business is the backbone of regional New Zealand.
She’s passionate about promoting the potential Rangitata has to offer, and as the electorate’s strong advocate in Parliament she actively encourages people to live, invest, and create more opportunities in the region.
Jo's focus for Rangitata - which encompasses Temuka, Ashburton and Timaru - is jobs, education, health, housing and safe communities.
Jo has lived in Rangiata for two decades, where she started her own successful business, an early childhood centre employing 7 staff.
She believes that all New Zealanders deserve a fair wage, whether you’re a manager, a labourer or an early childhood teacher. She’s proud to head up the first early childhood centre in New Zealand to be an accredited Living Wage Employer.
She’s an active volunteer in the community, and was an integral part of the formation of the Hinds and District Citizens’ Association.
She’s married to Matt, a builder, and has three children, Levi (23), Kelsey (21) and Matthew (12), and two stepchildren, Oliver (24) and Cameron (21).