James Meager (TBHS 2001-2005) has been named as the National Party candidate for the Rangitata electorate for the 2023 election.

The now 35 year old has long held a keen political interest and the opportunity afforded by the collapse of the conservative vote in Rangitata in 2020 has provided an opportunity for a fresh figure to stand of National.

James had an impressive school record over his five years at TBHS in the early 2000’s. He was Dux and Head Boy in 2005 and played half back for the 1st XV in his final year. As a student at TBHS he excelled in both arts and science. He was respected as a school leader and developed into a capable half back for the battling 1st XV of 2005.

In a recent interview with the Timaru Herald (29 October 2022) he shared the formative influences on his life. His mum brought up three children largely on her own and his Nga Tahu heritage remained on the fringe of his life. James acknowledged that he didn’t always get it right at Otago University. Given his academic talent he initially underperformed. He described himself at that time as ‘loudmouthed, obnoxious and opinionated’. Only the latter quality remains as a personality trait. James graduated for the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Law and Politics.

Early on in his time in Dunedin he, somewhat surprisingly lined up to the ‘political right’.

He assisted Michael Woodhouse ( National) in campaigning. Moving on from Dunedin the political urgings were evident as he worked in the offices of National’s Chris Bishop and Paula Bennett. As James stated in the Herald interview ‘timing is everything’. A return to home territory two years ago has given him the opportunity to stand as the National Party candidate in the ‘most conservative electorate in New Zealand.’ James lives in Ashburton but is a frequent Timaru visitor. His National Party profile records his wider interests these days as spending time with his four nephew’s, helping on his brother’s arable farm and playing cricket.

In the current political climate the current Rangitata MP Jo Luxton (Labour) has a formidable challenger in James Meager in the 2023 election. James aspires to join notable THSOB Members of Parliament : Mike Minogue, Sir Basil Arthur and Hon Jim Sutton.