Scott Willis (politician)

Willis was born in Dunedin and grew up on a farm in Otago.[2][1] He attended the University of Otago, and then worked on orchards and farms in the Cévennes region of France.[1] Willis later interned at the European Parliament.[1] He is described as an "energy-focused climate consultant".[3] As general manager of Blueskin Energy Ltd, Willis was involved in attempts to get wind turbines in Blueskin Bay, and in the building of New Zealand's first climate-safe house in 2020.[4][5] Willis is one of a panel of writers who contribute regularly to the Otago Daily Times on sustainability and climate change subjects.[6][7][8][9][10] He has also advocated for the restoration of passenger train services in the South Island.[11]

At the campaign launch in June, Willis said "We need a strong voice on the hospital build and our health services; for all whānau living in cold, damp mouldy homes; for our tertiary education - our University and Te Pukenga. We need a strong voice and forward thinking for South Dunedin and our rural and energy sectors, for decarbonising to deliver climate justice."[12]

Willis contested the Taieri electorate in the 2020 election, when he came third to Labour MP Ingrid Leary and National Party candidate Liam Kernaghan, with 2207 votes.[12][13]

Willis stood again for Taieri in the 2023 election. He was twelfth on the national list.[14] Preliminary results show he received 3066 votes, coming third to incumbent Ingrid Leary, and National Party candidate Matthew French.[15]