James Meager is the National MP for Rangitata. James, 37, was born and raised Timaru with family from both Mid and South Canterbury.

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 litigation team.

Outside of work, James enjoys spending time with his two dogs Alexios (Alex) and Barnabas (Barney), and playing cricket for the Parliamentary Cricket XI aka The Blackbenchers, which he co-captains.

"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 Mid and South Canterbury as part of a Christopher Luxon-led Coalition Government. My priority is on growing Mid and South Canterbury to ensure it has a sustainable future where individuals and families want to work, live and play. I will proudly represent the people of Rangitata in Parliament, and work tirelessly to support my constituents in our fantastic electorate."