Tim Costley | |
|---|---|
.png) Costley in 2023 | |
| Member of theNew Zealand Parliament forŌtaki | |
| Assumed office 14 October 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Terisa Ngobi |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1979 or 1980 (age 45–46)[1] |
| Political party | National |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | New Zealand |
| Branch/service | Royal New Zealand Air Force |
| Years of service | 2001–2023 |
| Rank | Wing commander |
Timothy John Costley (born 1979/1980[1]) is a New Zealand politician. He was elected as theMember of Parliament in theHouse of Representatives forŌtaki, representing theNational Party, in the2023 general election. He was previously a pilot with theRoyal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).
Costley was raised inPalmerston North by his parents, who were both teachers. He has one sister and one brother and was educated atPalmerston North Boys' High School.[2][3] He studied atMassey University, graduating with aBachelor of Science degree in mathematical physics, and atCranfield University in the United Kingdom where he earned a master's degree in international defence and security.[4] He also has a Diploma in Business.[5]
Costley joined theRoyal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) in 2001 as a pilot. He operatedBell UH-1 Iroquois andNHIndustries NH90 helicopters. He saw operational flying service in theSolomon Islands andEast Timor. He also completed a tour of duty inAfghanistan and was involved in numerous rescue missions in New Zealand and humanitarian missions in bothFiji andPapua New Guinea. Costley was second-in-command of pilot training and command of the NH90 helicopters for the RNZAF. In 2014, Costley was seconded as anequerry toPrince William, Duke of Cambridge, as an officer of the British royal household assisting members of the royal family. He later achieved the rank ofwing commander and finished his career as Commanding Officer of the Flying Training Wing atOhakea airbase.[5]
In 2007, while Costley was stationed in East Timor, he featured in a tongue-in-cheek video that went viral online and was later used for RNZAF recruitment.[6]
Costley founded The Missing Wingman Trust, a charity that supports the families of RNZAF families where someone is killed, wounded, injured or ill.[5]
| Years | Term | Electorate | List | Party | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–present | 54th | Ōtaki | 64 | National | |
In November 2019, Costley was selected as theNational Party candidate for theŌtaki electorate at the2020 general election.[5][6] He lost to Labour Party candidateTerisa Ngobi by 2,988 votes.[7]
Costley was again selected to run as the National Party candidate in the Ōtaki electorate during the2023 New Zealand general election. Final results showed a "commanding win", with Costley receiving over 22,145 votes, a lead of more than 6,271 votes over Ngobi.[8][9] Costley gave his maiden statement in Parliament on 12 December 2023.[3] He currently sits on the foreign affairs, defence and trade committee and the governance and administration committee.[10]
In March 2025, Costley made a controversial remark in Parliament referencing the openly gay former Finance Minister, Grant Robertson.[11] Costley stated: "Geez, we had it during the last one, you were getting told how long you're allowed to stay in the shower. I don't like the thought of Grant Robertson inspecting me in the shower, quite frankly. But this is the attitude they've just purveyed from that side of the House." The comment was widely criticised as being inappropriate and he was required to apologise by party leadership.[12]
In June 2024, Costley attracted media attention after claiming over NZ$36,000 worth of housing allowance to live in aWellington apartment that he owned. In response to criticism,Prime Minister and National Party leaderChristopher Luxon defended Costley, stating that Members of Parliament often left late at night and that his 58 km (36 mi) commute to his home inWaikanae was impractical.[13]
Costley and his wife Emma have three daughters.[5]
| New Zealand Parliament | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Member of Parliament for Ōtaki 2023–present | Incumbent |
