Raf is a multi-disciplinarian with a background in finance, governance, strategy, policy and risk.
Raf is a man with many talents. While he started his career in banking, he has also worked in 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). He is running in Christchurch’s Ilam electorate.
Raf spent two terms as a Christchurch City Councillor from 2013 to 2019. As Chair of the Finance Committee, his main focus was the council's financial position and insurance settlement, as well as its post-earthquake strategic direction and engagement with Central Government. Since leaving Council, he has worked with the Human Rights Commission and the NZ Police Assurance and Risk committee.
Raf spent 11 years trading global markets and providing high-level macro-economic advice for investment banks in London. In 2002, he moved to New Zealand with his young family and has since been actively involved in governance, strategy and social enterprise. He has worked with the Asian NZ Foundation, the Volunteer Army Foundation, Christchurch Resettlement Services, Christchurch Budget Service Trust, Pillars, and the Christchurch Arts Festival as both a volunteer and board member. He also worked with the Christchurch Foundation to support and advocate for the affected families and survivors of the 15th March 2019 terror attack.
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. He also loves reading, walking, cinema, occasional yoga and hanging out with his two grown up sons.
He believes TOP has what it takes to bring about the changes needed to build a more sustainable society.