Rachel Ward

Rachel Ward stands as the Opportunity Party’s candidate for Tukituki, embodying a new generation of leadership that recognises that we don’t have to be satisfied by the current political status quo. “Everyone I speak to is united in their frustration of the pettiness, sheer inefficiency and flip-flopping of the current New Zealand political environment. Change with a long view is needed to not only fuel our national prosperity, but to restore and protect the very environmental foundations that support our Kiwi way of life, wellbeing and economy. Politics shouldn’t feel out of your control – when times are tough we can forget that we have the power to create change. If the people give Opportunity their support, we will use that power for good. This election, the stakes are too high not to make a stand. This is why I am running.”

Rachel was born and raised in Upper Hutt, but these days is a busy Hawke’s Bay local, juggling the joys and challenges of being a mum to two energetic daughters, and shares in the daily realities faced by many kiwis as a homeowner, ratepayer, and small business owner. Coming from an ecological and animal behaviour background (with a BSc Zoology/Ecology and PGDipSc from Massey University), Rachel has founded and run a successful animal behaviour consultancy in Australia, specialising in parrot behaviour and conservation. Since returning to New Zealand in 2018, she has embraced a wider scope and has focused on restoring whole ecosystems and managing endangered species populations as General Manager of one of the country’s largest wildlife sanctuaries. In this role she’s always championing innovative, pragmatic and business savvy approaches to the environmental challenges we face —working on the ground with volunteers, hapū and iwi, landowners, and the wider community to deliver real outcomes for our environment. 

Political Passions

Rachel’s deep respect for nature shapes her vision for Aotearoa and drives her political involvement. Recently, after meeting Qiulae and sharing the frustrations of conservation bureaucracy and environmental short-sightedness of the current coalition government, she has decided it is time to step forward for Opportunity who share the same evidence-based, future focused ethos that business and nature can work hand in hand, and not exclusively. She has a special interest in restoring our endemic biodiversity, including habitat restoration and predator-control goals at a regional and national level, and is assisting with Opportunity’s Healthy Land policy development. Rachel is determined to put nature and people at the heart of decision-making and stand up for positive, practical change in Parliament.

“Our natural environment is not only a source of identity and pride for all Kiwis, it is the foundation of everything that we are. It is what we live in, play in, drink, breathe, and is literally the foundation of our most successful industries that support our Kiwi way of life. I grew up swimming in rivers that are no longer swimmable. We used to find native geckos in our backyard, that does not happen now. I want that NZ back for our kids. When Te Taiao does well, our community does well”.

Rachel’s style is collaborative and principled. She values transparency, authenticity, and results. Colleagues and community leaders know her as someone who seeks the solutions, leaves ego at the door, and works together to get things done. Her integrity and openness set the standard for the kind of politics New Zealand deserves—one where innovation, pragmatism and honesty lead the way.

Ready for change

For Rachel, Hawke’s Bay isn’t just a place to live—it’s where she’s investing in the future of her family and community. Though she’s typically private and not one for the limelight, Rachel is stepping out to be the Tukituki representative for Opportunity – who will bring a fresh, community-focused perspective to Parliament come November 7th.  “This is our year. There is a movement happening, we are coming to Parliament to shake things up. We have a lot of work to do, and a lot of people to meet – but New Zealand is listening. This will be the year that Opportunity brings the voice of the people back to a stagnant political system”. She’s ready to listen, learn, and lead with empathy and determination—putting people and nature first for Hawke’s Bay and all of Aotearoa.