Based at Lake Hood near Ashburton, Mr Harris has 30 years’ experience working across technology and complex systems — helping organisations improve how decisions translate into real-world outcomes.
In a statement, he said he had a long-standing connection to the region dating back to 1999 and had lived in Rangitata since 2012.
"I’m standing because I believe we can build a system that actually works better so that all New Zealanders can live with dignity.
"Rangitata is a place of strong communities and real opportunity, but people are feeling the pressure.
"Whether it’s the cost of living, roading infrastructure, or environmental challenges like water quality, too often the system makes things harder than they need to be."
Mr Harris runs a consulting, training and coaching business, with clients including Taranaki Savings Bank, the New Zealand Treasury and MHV Water.
His work centres on aligning stakeholders, managing trade-offs and ensuring decisions are grounded in data and delivered practical outcomes.
That perspective was what set The Opportunity Party apart, he said.
"Too often, politics is reduced to short-term cycles, slogans, or reactive decision-making.
"What draws me to Opportunity is a willingness to step back and ask a simple question: is the system we’ve built actually delivering the outcomes people need? And if not, what would work better?
"That leads to a stronger focus on long-term outcomes like building an economy that creates sustainable jobs and investment, while also restoring and protecting the environment, including the quality of our rivers and water."
Mr Harris believed voters in Rangitata were ready for a more practical and less divisive approach to politics.
"What I’m hearing locally is that people feel like they’re being asked to choose between different versions of the same conversation.
"I think voters are ready for politics that is calmer, more practical, and focused on what actually works." — Allied Media
