Thursday 22 November 2007

Disclaimer

In the interest of full disclosure, here's a bit about me.. and who's behind CairnsBlog.net

Political Views
I self-identify with the principals of individual rights, limited government, tolerance, acceptance, diversity, open honest governance and reason.

On the political compass test I score -5.88 (left on economic issues) and -6.67 (libertarian) on authoritarian/libertarian issues.

Political Affiliations
I joined Young Nationals in New Zealand in 1989, and was national information and publicity officer for 3 years. I have been affiliated to NZ Labour, and also assisted in the development of Rainbow Labour. I have worked with Hon Chris Carter in his Te Atatu electorate.

In 1996, I established GAP, a business networking organisation in Wellington. It operated in an environment post Hon Fran Wilde's 1984 HLR Act.

My good mate and political colleague, David Farrar, writes KiwiBlog, the most viisted blog in New Zealand.

I moved to Cairns in 2000 for a sea change and a life change, away from the rat race and too much traveling. I don’t believe in air conditioners as a primary design element for our region’s buildings. I embrace our climate and outdoors with a passion in North Queensland. I occasionally hug trees.

I support holding local government in Cairns, and our greater region, to account. I support amalgamation to provide greater strength and access to services to all residents, with more accountability and openness in decision-making, especially when it comes to the bit of dirt we all share.

I'm not a member of any political party, but advocate and support good open debate, free of party influence.

Professional
I was General Editor and Publications Manager at Scouting New Zealand and worked in the New Zealand Parliament for four years from 1995, initially as a media and publications officer in the National Research Unit when Jim Bolger was Prime Minister.

During my time in NZ Parliament, I had the privilege to work alongside Lange, my name-sake Rt Hon Mike Moore, Jenny Shipley, and former Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Helen Clark.

I also had the misfortune to debate with Piggy, I mean Robert Muldoon.

I've worked in change management teams at NZ Public Trust, and with National Mutual's transformation into AXA.

In the not-for-profit sector, I was the Publications Manager at Scouting New Zealand, and National Public Relations Manager at New Zealand Red Cross, and also the community liaison officer at the Red Cross Blood Service in Cairns.

I have worked in media management, marketing, PR tourism, representing, travelling to Europe and Asia, to sell (not literately) our region.

I manage my Body Corporate at Yorkeys Knob and, with the support of StrataWorks. All owners are actively involved in the day-to-day decisions of their property. This is a refreshing change from many other body corp management companies. I highly recommend them to you.

I now provide marketing, media and communications consulting to a variety of clients.

Community
In New Zealand, I was involved in a number of youth programmes. Scouting, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. I developed Action Youth Leadership programmes. I helped at the old printery at Ferrymead Historic park in East Christchurch, and was the youngest member of an elected Board of Governors at Aranui High School.

I have received Chief Scout's and Queen's Scouts Award, along with the Woodbadge Leadership and Chief Scout's Commendation as a leader and professional officer at National Office.

I received the Rotary Youth Honour Roll and was selected by the Mayor of Christchurch, as the youth Goodwill representative to China in 1988.

In the late 80's I was awarded the Competent Toastmasters Award and also rewarded with the country's best club bulletin trophy, two years in a row.

In Cairns, I'm a mentor with the Cairns Youth Mentoring Scheme. I'm on the Advisory Board of QaHC's Cairns community resource centre. Along with former Pink Guide publisher, I produce the Cairns Rainbow Guide.

Recreation
I swim. I cycle. I kayak. I like to run and enjoy the beach, our diverse courtryside. I'm a 4WD fan, exploring Cape and Queensland's Outback. I love our creepy crawlers, and some of the elected species. I have several thousand books, but everyone has to have a bad habit. I don't smoke, only drink when encouraged.

Enuf said.

PS: I'm a Kiwi. The therapy's going fine thanks. And, I probably know more sheep jokes than you do.

-
Mike

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