16 Facts About Raf Manji

Raf Alfred Manji was born on 1966 and is a former New Zealand politician, with a background in governance, finance and social enterprise.

Raf Manji was the leader of The Opportunities Party from 27 January 2022 to 3 December 2023.

Raf Manji was educated at the University of Manchester, graduating with a degree in economics and social studies.

Raf Manji went travelling in Asia and met a New Zealand woman, whom he later married.

Raf Manji worked as an investment banker, before migrating to New Zealand with his family in 2002.

Raf Manji earned a Graduate Diploma in Politics and a Masters in International Law and Politics from the University of Canterbury.

Raf Manji worked for non-profits and volunteering before becoming involved in the Volunteer Army Foundation.

Raf Manji was elected to the Christchurch City Council for the Fendalton-Waimairi ward in 2013 after being encouraged to run by mayor Lianne Dalziel.

Raf Manji was re-elected in the Waimairi Ward in 2016.

Raf Manji contested the electorate of Ilam, which had been a safe seat for the National Party, as an independent at the 2017 New Zealand general election.

Raf Manji campaigned on a platform of being a voice for Christchurch during its recovery from the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, including promoting the idea of an investment fund for local housing, and Christchurch bidding to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Raf Manji polled well, coming second behind incumbent National Party MP Gerry Brownlee, and ahead of the Labour Party candidate.

Raf Manji retired from the Christchurch City Council at the 2019 New Zealand local elections.

Raf Manji was appointed to chair an advisory group to decide how to use money raised to support the victims.

Raf Manji contested the Ilam seat at the 2023 New Zealand general election.

Raf Manji came second place behind National Party candidate Hamish Campbell in the Ilam electorate, winning 10,863 votes.