* Active in women's organisations, peace movement and environmental groups since early 1970s * Joined Labour Party in Westport and active in electorate and regional organisation * Campaign organiser for Kerry Burke in 1981 and 1984 * Moved to Wellington in 1985, working for Fran Wilde on Homosexual Law Reform Bill * Campaign organiser for Fran Wilde in Wellington Central in 1987 * Appointed as adviser to Minister of Employment 1986, then as adviser to Wellington Regional Employment and ACCESS Council * Employment and Training Consultant from 1990 * MP for Lyttelton 1993 - 1996 * List MP 1996 - 1999 * MP for Banks Peninsula 1999 - date