Wikipedia:WikiProject New Zealand/politics/New MPs/Dale Stephens (New Zealand politician)

Dale Aotea Stephens (born 1960 (age 39)) is a New Zealand politician and Member of Parliament in the House of Representatives for the National Party.

Early life and career
Stephens was born and raised in Christchurch, attending St Andrew's College. He got degrees in policing and business from Massey University, a diploma in te reo Māori and a master's degree in public policy from Victoria University, and a master's degree in law from the University of Canterbury. He worked in the police force until 1998 and competed in world championships as a drum major in the New Zealand Police Pipe Band. He presented the television show Crimewatch for ten years.

Political career
Stephens contested the newly formed Ikaroa-Rāwhiti electorate for the National Party at the. He received only 2.07% of the vote and was not ranked high enough to enter parliament on the party list.

For the he contested Ohariu-Belmont. He placed third with 13.29% and again was not high enough on the list.

Stephens was selected as the National Party candidate for the Christchurch Central electorate in March 2020, following Nicky Wagner's decision to retire. At the, he came second behind the incumbent Duncan Webb, and was not high enough on the party list to enter parliament.

In October 2022, Stephens was one of five candidates to contest selection as the National nominee for in the 2023 New Zealand general election, but ultimately lost out to Hamish Campbell. He was re-selected as the Christchurch Central candidate on 11 December.

Personal life
Stephens' iwi is Te Rarawa. He is married with six children.