Stephen is an experienced executive who has extensive experience across the local government and health sectors.

He is currently Chief Executive at the Taranaki Regional Council having previously served in the same role at the Southland, Kaipara and Thames-Coromandel District Councils.

He has held governance roles with Milford Sound Tourism,  Lakes District Health Board and the Department of Corrections. Of Ngati Raukawa and Ngati Ranginui descent, Steve was awarded a Bachelor of Management Studies from the University of Waikato, and is a Chartered Accountant Fellow (FCA) with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.