Andy was born in Whanganui, grew up in Patea and is currently the Co-Director of the Mental Health and Addiction programme at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa (Massey University). He leads national and international research on the prevalence, patterns and predictors of alcohol and other drug use, and on translating health research into health systems change.

He works with international NGOs, national and local government bodies, and NGO sector organisations concerning policy development and research on health initiatives, health workforce development, health systems change and alcohol and other drug recovery.