Willis for Wellington Central

National announced:

Nicola Willis has been selected by National to contest the Wellington Central electorate at the 2017 General Election.

Ms Willis is a born and raised Wellingtonian, mother of four, and businesswoman, having previously held senior leadership roles at Fonterra.

Nicola will be a great candidate and a superb MP. I’m excited by the fact she has left an incredibly successful business career to stand for Parliament.

Nicola Willis, 35, was born and educated in Wellington. She lives in the Wellington Central electorate with her husband and their four children.

 She is a successful business leader and former University debater, with a passion for the arts.

A graduate of Victoria University with an honours degree in English Literature, Nicola was a successful member of the Vic Debating Society, winning various national tournaments and a University Blue.

As a senior business leader at New Zealand’s biggest exporter Fonterra, Nicola put in practice her belief that commercial success requires a commitment to environmental and social sustainability. Most recently she led a large team focused on reducing the environmental impact of Fonterra’s farming operations. Prior to that she had roles directing global trade strategy and community engagement.

Nicola has also previously served on the Boards of ExportNZ and the New Zealand Initiative.

Previously, Nicola worked as senior advisor to former Prime Minister John Key, where she worked closely with the public service to implement National’s policy following the 2008 election.

There would be few people that by the age of 35 have held very senior roles in New Zealand’s largest company, been a senior adviser to a Prime Minister and also had four children.