Gordon has been a resident of Waiheke Island for 36 years and is widely regarded as one of the most respected leaders on the island. Gordon began his career as a Councillor for Waiheke County in the early eighties and chaired the District Planning and Finance Committees.
When Waiheke County was amalgamated with Auckland City in 1989, Gordon became a member of the Community Board where he stayed for 4 years.
He became an Auckland City Councillor in 1993.
He has been a long time supporter and 'voice' for the people of Waiheke with positions being held on the Waste Resource Trust, Chair of Waiheke Red Cross and Director of Clean Stream Waiheke.
In 2001 he became an active member of CAPOW where he remains one of the driving forces behind the high profile group.