Political candidate for Vision New Zealand, Tauranga church pastor Leon Samuels is contesting the Tauranga electorate in October’s 2023 General Election.

Matakana Island born and bred, from Ngaiterangi iwi, the deputy head boy of Tauranga Boys’ College in 1996 met his wife Lynda over 18 years ago. The couple have three children and the family lives in Bethlehem.

“Tauranga has always been a huge part of my life, and I always wanted to raise my family here,” says Leon.

He and Lynda believe society is a reflection of the home and are embracing the Vision New Zealand slogan ‘Empowering families and businesses’.

“We strongly believe if we can help individuals be successful in their personal life, it will impact on society.”

He says whilst education, law and order and democracy are key issues within society, we must also address the foundation which health, wealth and wellbeing is built upon and “that is the family unit”.

“Families are the cornerstone of society and businesses are the heartbeat of our economy. So let’s empower them both and make our country both morally and economically great again.”

Leon and Lynda Samuels with two of their three children at the campaign launch on Saturday. Photo: Supplied.

As well as a commitment to empower families, Leon is passionate about business, and has been talking with local business owners about the economic challenges they face. His eldest daughter has already started her own small business.

“Our children attended Bethlehem School, then Otumoetai Intermediate and College, but after lockdown we decided to continue schooling with Destiny Online College. It’s very entrepreneurial.”

He says with the escalating crime rate, the safety of everyday Kiwis is paramount.

“Having worked alongside the NZ Police, the Department of Corrections and being a facilitator for the successful Man Up programme, I believe we have the answers to reduce crime and recidivist offending.”

Leon has assisted getting men back into employment, transitioning them to help get back on their feet and helping men turn their lives around.

“I believe I can offer skills that can help them.”

Leon’s interest in politics has grown over the last decade, while working in the social sector.

“I’ve noticed people’s struggles with my work on the ground, as they’ve tried to afford basic needs.”

His previous work with Get Smart Tauranga has enabled him to help empower and mentor youth. Prior to this he was youth pastoring for four years in Hamilton. Before that “rugby was my god” says Leon.

“I lived for it.”

He played rugby for Tauranga Boys’ College First XV before moving to the Waikato and trialling in the NZ Under19s. From there he went to Vancouver, Canada to play rugby for a few seasons.

After returning to NZ, his father suddenly died from a heart attack, turning his world up-side-down.

“That was the decision maker for me and I looked at life from a different viewpoint after that.”

Part of that different viewpoint led him to working with Police through the Awhi programme and pastoring.

Leon Samuels speaking at the campaign launch in Tauranga. Photo: Supplied.

In 2022, Leon organised rallies that failed to comply with a Covid-19 Public Health Response Act order, including a gathering at Coronation Park in Mount Maunganui. At the time there was a 100-person limit on outdoor gatherings, but around 400 attended, most not wearing masks.

Judge Louis Bidois granted his application for a discharge without conviction, saying he was a first offender and had made a “huge contribution” to the church and wider community.

“Your motive is obviously to help people.”

Leon’s party Vision New Zealand registered as a political party with the Electoral Commission on December 4, 2019, and purports itself to be ‘The Party for all Kiwis’.

Led by Hannah Tamaki, Vision New Zealand has policies outlined on their website addressing moral issues such as abortion, cannabis and euthansasia; and ‘Let’s Get NZ back’ which addresses keeping ‘Kiwi land in Kiwi hands’, citizenship and immigration. The party’s flagship policy is about empowering families.

His campaign launch at Chapel St Café on Saturday was attended by around 60 family, friends and supporters.

“I’m excited to let you know that I will be standing as a candidate for Vision NZ in the Tauranga Electorate for the 2023 General Election.

“It’s time for change Tauranga. Your vote counts. Candidate vote Leon Samuels for Vision NZ and party vote Freedoms NZ.

“I look forward to seeing you in our communities over the coming weeks.”

Tauranga candidates for the 2023 General Election:

ACT: Christine Young

Greens: Justin Crooks

Labour: Jan Tinetti

National: Sam Uffindell

New Conservative: Jonathan Langridge

NZ First: Erika Harvey

Vision NZ: Leon Samuels

General Elections 2023

The regulated period for election advertising expenses began on Friday, July 14.

Nominations close for candidates at noon on Friday, September 15.

Overseas voting starts on Wednesday, September 27.

Advance voting starts on Monday, October 2.

Advance voting ends on Friday October 13. The regulated period for election advertising expenses also ends on this date and all election advertising must end. Signs must be taken down by midnight.

Election Day is on Saturday, October 14, with voting places open from 9am – 7pm.

Official results for the 2023 General Election are declared on Friday, November 3.