Claire has a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and after 12 years in clinical practice took on the role of General Manager at Intervet NZ, followed by a business development role at Agrifeeds - a ruminant nutrition company. She has been involved in a number of start-up companies from inception to sale. Currently Claire is a Director of Pāmu, NZ Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre and is a member of advisory groups involved in research, product development and innovation investment. She recently stood down after nine years as a Director for Taranaki-based Māori farming group Parininihi ki Waitōtara. With interests in horticultural, sheep and beef and dairy businesses, she is personally involved in and understands the New Zealand rural environment.

Claire is a graduate of the Hillary Leadership Programme, the Agri-Women’s Development Trust’s Accelerator Programme, Fonterra’s Governance Development Programme and was a Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year finalist.

Claire believes we are placed here to be the kaitiaki (guardians) of our lands ensuring prosperity for future generations. She enjoys water-based activities that the beautiful Bay of Plenty offers; including travel, cycling, sailing and skiing with her husband and adult sons.