New Conservative’s Elliot Ikilei to stand for NZ First in this year’s election

Elliot Ikilei, the former leader of the New Conservative Party, will stand as a candidate in this year’s election for NZ First.

The announcement was made by NZ First on Tuesday, with the party describing Ikilei as “a political commentator, community advocate, trainer, and public speaker known for his involvement in conservative politics”.

Ikilei was born in Palmerston North and raised in Auckland, and was of Niuean, Tongan, Māori (Te Āti Awa and Ngāti Raukawa) and English heritage, the party said.

“Deeply committed to helping others, he has supported at-risk youth and vulnerable families across Auckland, spending more than two decades supporting young people through challenges including family violence, self-harm, abuse, and leadership development,” the announcement said.

Ikilei became deputy leader of the New Conservative Party, then known as the Conservative Party, in 2017, and was elevated to leader after the 2020 election, following a party vote that saw him replace Leighton Baker. He resigned as leader after six weeks in the role.