Raf Manji portrait

Raf Manji

Party Independent
Official Candidate Biography

My principal place of residence is in the Central Ward area.

Christchurch has made incredible progress over the past decade, and the rest of New Zealand is starting to recognize what makes our city special. There’s much to celebrate as the central city develops. But there’s still more to do.

To keep Christchurch safe, affordable, and resilient for current and future residents and businesses, we must invest in fit-for-purpose public transport, reliable water systems, and develop digital and energy infrastructure prepared for climate challenges.

We have the resources to meet these challenges if we manage our finances carefully. I propose capping rates increases to give ratepayers financial certainty, while unlocking the potential of city assets through partnerships with Ngāi Tahu, central government, and the private sector.

As Chair of Finance for 6 years, I helped lead our city’s recovery after the earthquakes. With my experience and connections, I’m ready to help deliver a safe, sustainable, and affordable Christchurch for all.

Connect with Raf Manji
Raf Manji’s Elections & Candidacies

Note: This database contains data from the 2023, 2020, 2017 and 2014 general elections, the 2025 local government election and is gradually being backfilled with other election data.

Contested 4 races — 0 elected 4 not elected

2025 NZ Local Government • October 11, 2025 Local
  • Central Ward Councillor
    Christchurch City Council
    Affiliation: Independent
    Final Not elected
2023 NZ General Election • October 14, 2023 General
  • List MP
    Parliament of New Zealand
    Affiliation: The Opportunities Party (TOP)
    Final Not elected
  • MP for Ilam
    Parliament of New Zealand
    Affiliation: The Opportunities Party (TOP)
    Final Not elected
2017 NZ General Election • September 23, 2017 General
  • MP for Ilam
    Parliament of New Zealand
    Affiliation: Independent
    Final Not elected
In the News
Winners, losers, big losers and gigantic losers from the 2025 local elections
The Spinoff — October 13, 2025

Winner: the endless cycle of underinvestment in core infrastructure. Big loser: the pipes.

A TOP dog, or is The Opportunities Party forever doomed to ‘zombie’ status?
The Post — September 8, 2025

Soon to appoint its fourth leader after the failed tenures of Gareth Morgan, Geoff Simmons and Raf Manji, the party still attracts a fleeting nod in the polls. But the question remains, what does TOP really stand for?

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This database currently contains data from the 2025 local government eleciton, and general elections in 2023, 2020, 2017 and 2014. It is being backfilled with older data. Please get in touch if you want to help.