Edward is of Ngāi Tahu and Te Atiawa descent, a farmer on the Otago Peninsula with lengthy involvement in environmental and iwi kaupapa. 

He is an accredited Hearings Commissioner with experience in a wide range of RMA processes in the South Island. He is currently Chair of the New Zealand Conservation Authority, chair of the Ngāi Tahu HSNO Committee and actively engaged in regional and local government matters in Otago.