Dale Stephens has been selected as National’s candidate in Christchurch Central for the 2020 General Election.
Dale Stephens is currently the Director of Māori business at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, leading a team dedicated to growing Māori businesses in the international business arena.
“I am incredibly humbled to be chosen to contest Christchurch Central for National and would like to thank the National Party for their support and encouragement,” Mr Stephens says.
“Christchurch Central is a vibrant and humming part of the City I grew up in. People are pouring back into our streets after the earthquakes, and we’re seeing more and more businesses open up.
“Christchurch benefited greatly from the previous National Government’s strong economic management and focus on results. People here work hard and expect to see results from their tax dollars.
“Unfortunately, it is suffering from this chaotic Coalition’s failure to deliver.
“The Ardern-Peters-Green Government have promised a lot and let Cantabrians down. Like the rest of New Zealand, Christchurch is facing the pinch due to the rising cost of living, a result of this Government’s failed experimental policies like KiwiBuild, Fees Free or the Provincial Growth Fund.
“Christchurch has been forgotten by Labour, NZ First and the Greens. In the recent Infrastructure announcement, Christchurch received pennies in comparison to other major centres.
“Christchurch Central needs a National Government that will keep the costs of living down, deliver real results in health, and ensure our businesses can thrive.
“Simon Bridges leads an experienced team that is focused on the real issues affecting New Zealanders. I’m looking forward to hitting the campaign trail, knocking on doors, and earning Christchurch Central’s trust.”
Biographical Notes: Dale Stephens
Dale Stephens (Te Rarawa) is currently the Director of Māori business at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and is also the Chairman of New Zealand Māori Tourism.
Dale went to St Andrews College and holds degrees in policing and business from Massey University, a diploma in te reo Māori and a Master’s in public policy from Victoria University, and a Master’s in law from the University of Canterbury.
Dale’s first career was in the Police, spending the majority of his time there in the Criminal Investigation branch investigating serious crime. He also spent ten years presenting the television show Crimewatch.
After leaving the Police Dale worked in the sports sector as the CEO of two national sports bodies. He has held senior leadership roles in both the private and public sectors in New Zealand, and the CEO of a multinational IT company based in Australia.
Returning to New Zealand in 2014, Dale took up his current role with NZTE in Christchurch, leading a national team dedicated to growing Māori businesses in the international business arena. Dale works closely with iwi and business leaders across the country to support Māori growth and development.
Dale is married to Tarina with a busy homelife based around six young adult children. As passionate promoters of healthy living they also own and operate a corporate fitness club in the middle of the rebuilt part of Christchurch and are proud to be part of the regeneration of the city.
