National's Candidate for Rangitata is James Meager. James Meager (Ngāi Tahu), 35, was born and raised Timaru and now lives in Ashburton. Previously a public lawyer, James is currently a self-employed consultant through his own firm Oath Advisory.

After gaining a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Otago, James held a number of roles at Otago University, including as a student coordinator and a strategic projects manager for its Māori health workforce development programme. He went on to work for National MP Chris Bishop, as a press secretary for then-Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett and as an advisor to opposition leaders Bill English and Simon Bridges. James then spent three years with Simpson Grierson in Wellington and Christchurch, including as a senior solicitor in the public law team.

Outside of work, James enjoys spending time with his four nephews, helping on his brother’s arable farm, and playing cricket.

“I’m proud to have the opportunity to stand up for my home and to fight for the issues that matter most to our people. As a local boy, I will work tirelessly to deliver for our region as part of a Christopher Luxon-led National Government. My priority now is to meet as many people as I can across Rangitata, listen to them, and hopefully earn their support as their local MP.”