Jamie Arthur Arbuckle, born in 1978 or 1979, hails from Rapaura, New Zealand, where he grew up on a 20-hectare apple and cherry orchard, immersed in a family legacy of farming and fruit growing. Raised without knowing his biological father, he was shaped by two men, both named Arbuckle, who instilled in him a practical, hardworking ethos. Describing himself as “not academic” during his school years, Arbuckle nonetheless pursued and earned a Diploma in Business and Management from Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT). Jamie Arthur Arbuckle Biography, Politician & Parliament
His personal life is rooted in Marlborough, where he lives with his wife, Sally, a Marlborough District Councillor, and their four children, aged 15–23. Arbuckle’s deep community ties are evident through his regular presence at local markets, such as Redwoodtown, selling fresh produce, which he credits for keeping him attuned to grassroots issues. Beyond politics, he is a passionate harness racing enthusiast, having worked in a racing stable, owned shares in horses, and served on the Marlborough Racing Club committee. His maiden parliamentary speech highlighted his late mother as a profound influence, describing her as a “great politician” who navigated life’s complexities with grace.
2. Politician
Jamie Arbuckle’s political journey began in 2010 when he was elected as a Marlborough District Councillor, a role he held for over 13 years. During his tenure, he chaired the Economic, Finance, and Community Committee, served as an RMA Hearings Commissioner, and advocated for transparency, rates capping, and regional development. His commitment to challenging the status quo was evident in 2015 when he resigned from a committee role to protest a lack of transparency in a council appointment. Arbuckle transitioned to national politics with New Zealand First, a party whose “common sense” policies and regional focus aligned with his values. He first contested the Kaikōura electorate in 2017, finishing third, and again in 2020, placing fourth, before joining the party’s board. In 2023, ranked 6th on the New Zealand First party list, he again ran in Kaikōura, securing 4,347 votes and finishing third. Although he did not win the electorate, his list ranking ensured his entry into Parliament as one of eight New Zealand First MPs. Arbuckle’s political style is grounded in his market stall interactions, where he listens to constituents, and his advocacy for Marlborough’s infrastructure, healthcare, and law and order reflects his regional roots.
3. Parliament
Elected to the 54th New Zealand Parliament on October 14, 2023, Jamie Arbuckle serves as a New Zealand First list MP, bringing his local government experience to Wellington. As party whip, he ensures discipline within the New Zealand First caucus, while his roles as deputy chair of the Justice Select Committee and member of the Finance and Expenditure and Officers of Parliament Select Committees position him to influence key policy areas. His parliamentary work emphasizes regional investment, business engagement, and practical governance, drawing on his Marlborough perspective. Initially, Arbuckle faced criticism for retaining his Marlborough councillor role—and its $40,250 salary—alongside his $163,961 MP salary, prompting accusations of double-dipping.
In May 2024, following public and political pressure, including comments from the Prime Minister and opposition leader, he announced he would donate his council salary to charities like Marlborough Foodbank and Alzheimers Marlborough. He resigned from the council in October 2024 to avoid triggering a costly by-election, reflecting on his “darkest day” in 2011 when he wrongly claimed council staff tampered with documents, but also on achievements like the Renwick dog park and public forums. In his maiden speech, Arbuckle vowed to honor his mother’s legacy by standing up for constituents, a commitment he continues to pursue in Parliament.
