Raf is a multi-disciplinarian with a background in finance, governance, strategy, policy and risk.

Raf has worked in banking, finance, governance, strategy, and policy and risk. He’s worked for start-ups, not-for-profits, and government, bringing a variety of perspectives to his role as the leader of The Opportunities Party (TOP).

Raf spent two terms as a Christchurch City Councillor from 2013 to 2019. Since leaving Council, he has worked with the Human Rights Commission and the NZ Police Assurance and Risk committee.

Raf has a degree in Economics from the University of Manchester, a Graduate Diploma in Political Science, and a Masters Degree in International Law and Politics from the University of Canterbury.

He has spent many years examining the friction between the public and private space, and is especially interested in the reform of our monetary, welfare and tax systems, as well as our political, administrative, and constitutional arrangements.

Raf is looking to take TOP into parliament in 2023 by winning the seat of Ilam in Christchurch and hopefully taking one or two other TOP MPs with him on the list.