James Meager

Meager, of Ngāi Tahu descent, was born and raised in Timaru, where he lived in state housing.[1] He attended Timaru Boys' High School, where he was head boy and dux.[2] He gained a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Otago, although he had originally intended to become a doctor.[3][4] He describes himself as "loud-mouthed, obnoxious and opinionated" while at university, and ascribes his bad behaviour partly to alcohol use.[4] While at university Meager helped on National Party list MP Michael Woodhouse's 2011 campaign, and went on to run the 2014 campaign.[4] Prior to being elected, Meager worked as a lawyer and ran a consultancy firm. He has also worked as a press secretary to Paula Bennett, as a staffer for Chris Bishop's parliamentary office, and an advisor to Bill English and Simon Bridges.[5]

Meager was selected as National's candidate for the formerly safe seat of Rangitata on 18 September 2022. It was a close contest with one other competitor vying for the nomination.[6]

On election night, Meager received more than 20,000 votes, beating incumbent Labour Party MP Jo Luxton by more than 9,500 votes.[7] Meager said his first priority as a member of parliament would be to ensure the building of a second bridge for Ashburton happened according to the planned timeframes.[2] The bridge was announced by the Labour government in August 2023, with construction due to start in 2024 and take two years. Meager was concerned that timeframes might change, but promised to begin construction in the first parliamentary term.[2]