Katie was first elected to Parliament in 2023, as the MP for Napier, which spans from Taradale to Matawai. It covers Napier City, Wairoa District, and parts of the Hastings and Gisborne Districts.

Katie is a proud representative for a diverse rural and urban electorate, which requires advocacy for constituents on a broad range of local issues. Recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle is a core focus for the region.
As well as the local representative for Napier, Katie is the Chair of the Education and Workforce Select Committee, and a member of the Environment Select Committee. Katie feels fortunate to be a part of the Christopher Luxon-led coalition government.

After completing her secondary education at Iona College, Katie studied at Massey University, gaining a Bachelor of Visual Communication Design (Honours) degree in 2013 and a Master of Business Administration in 2019.

Katie joined the Clemenger Group in 2014 as part of a graduate programme in the advertising industry, which included working for Colenso BBDO and Touchcast. Referred to as the Ambassador for Hawke’s Bay by colleagues, Katie didn’t take much convincing to return to her home region, to work for her family’s century-old transport business. Starting as the marketing manager, she went on to become the General Manager of three depots across Hastings, Napier and Taupo. Katie most recently worked in Local Government as the Transport Manager for Hawke’s Bay Regional Council from 2021 to 2023.

Katie has always been actively involved in her community. She served on the Advisory Committee for the EIT School of Hospitality and Tourism, tutored at National Youth Drama School, gave time to youth mentoring programmes, volunteered at Meeanee Speedway, advocated for investment in SH2 North, and worked to develop the Business Events sector with Hawke’s Bay Tourism and other local businesses. This work culminated in her entry to Parliament in 2023, and Katie has remained connected to the communities that she’s so passionate about.