Richard Lewis

Background

Lewis was born in Auckland, New Zealand.

Career

At the age of twenty-two, he joined the New Zealand Police. He served as a police officer for eleven years. The party went on to stand 42 candidates in electorates nationwide, being one of only 3 parties to stand in all 7 Māori electorates.

In the 2005 election, Lewis stood as his party"s candidate for Manukau East and come third behind the two major party candidates from Labour and National with 1,111 votes (34%).

In 2007, Destiny New Zealand was disbanded, with Lewis instead becoming leader of the newly formed The Family Party. However, The Family Party failed to gain access into parliament again in the 2008 election.

Lewis, who stood as the candidate for Manurewa, gained only 514 votes.

Achievements

• While the party did not achieve representation at the 2005 general elections, it was the highest polling party outside of parliament.