A Bit About Me

Ko Ingarihi, Airihi me Werehi te whakapapa
Ko Slains Castle te waka
I tipu au i te maru o Maungakiekie, i te taha o te Waitematā
Ko Ngāmotu tōku kāinga
Ko Littlewood te hapū
Ko Clinton te whanau
Ko Amanda Clinton-Gohdes tōku ingoa

It has been a privilege to be one of your Councillors and Chair of the Community Funding Investment Committee this term, and I would be honoured to continue this work.

I am a former lawyer and scientist with a heart for the community. In addition to serving a term on the New Plymouth District Council, I have experience in research, tertiary student support, equity advice, property and commercial law, and governance in the community sector. I am a Trustee of Wild for Taranaki, am a member of Institute of Directors and have held many volunteer roles, including serving on the Board of Dress for Success New Plymouth, and being a volunteer at Taranaki Retreat. I have a Bachelor of Science and an Honours degree in Law, with a focus on policy, hold a Level 4 Certificate in Te Reo Māori and am qualified as a Resource Management Commissioner.

I am also mum to a one-year-old, and strive to anchor each Council decision in what’s best for the next generation

Roles I’ve held in Council:

• Chair of Community Funding Investment Committee
• Chair of Climate Change, Zero Waste and Sustainability Portfolio
• Deputy Chair of District Licensing Committee
• Councillor delegate to Kaitake Community Board
• Member of Finance, Audit and Risk Committee
• Member of Strategic Project Committee
• Member of Strategy and Operations Committee
• Member of Te Rewa Rewa Working Party

Here’s why I can do the job:

• I know what it means to work with complex problems and long reports. I’m the person who sifts through the fluff and can tell you the parts that really matter.
• I am also a listener and a facilitator. I will listen to what matters to you, and where I can, will advocate for your ideas and connect you with people who can make it happen.
• Most importantly, I am led by my values –  courage, clarity, excellence, and compassion. I have many privileges in life, but I have also faced many challenges – challenges which have shaped me to be both empathetic and resilient.

I bring all these attributes to the role of Councillor, and I will continue to dedicate myself to the future of our region and our community.