Matt Harris of Lake Hood has been named the Rangitata candidate for The Opportunity Party ahead of this year’s general election.
Harris is campaigning on a “system that works better”.
He was named last week by the party, highlighting his local roots, systems-focused thinking, and commitment to practical, evidence-based solutions.
“I’m standing because I believe we can build a system that actually works better so that all New Zealanders can live with dignity,” he said, via a statement.
“Rangitata is a place of strong communities and real opportunity, but people are feeling the pressure.
‘‘Whether it’s the cost of living, roading infrastructure, or environmental challenges like water quality, too often the system makes things harder than they need to be.”
Harris has 30-years experience working across technology, and complex systems, helping organisations improve how decisions translate into real-world outcomes.
He has a long-standing connection to the region dating back to 1999 and has lived in Rangitata electorate since 2012; his three children have attended local primary and secondary schools.
Harris also draws on a rural upbringing; he grew up on a sheep and cattle farm.
Harris currently runs a consulting, training, and coaching business, with clients including Taranaki Savings Bank, the New Zealand Treasury, and MHV Water.
His work centres on aligning stakeholders, managing trade-offs, and ensuring decisions are grounded in data and deliver practical outcomes.
He said that perspective was what set The Opportunity Party apart.
“Too often, politics is reduced
to short-term cycles, slogans, or reactive decision-making,” Harris said.
“What draws me to Opportunity is a willingness to step back and ask a simple question: is the system we’ve built actually delivering the outcomes people need – and if not, what would work better?”
“That leads to a stronger focus on long-term outcomes: building an economy that creates sustainable jobs and investment, while also restoring and protecting the environment, including the quality of our rivers and water.”
Harris said voters were ready for a more practical and less divisive approach to politics.
“What I’m hearing locally is that people feel like they’re being asked to choose between different versions of the same conversation.
‘‘I think voters are ready for politics that is calmer, more practical, and focused on what actually works.”
General election:
Rangitata candidates to-date are: James Meager (National), Sange Malama (Labour), Matt Harris (The Opportunity Party) and Aaron Allred (ACT). Te Tai Tonga candidates to-date are: Lisa Te Morenga (Green) and Mananui Ramsden (Labour).
