David Farrar

David Farrar
Name	David Farrar
Birth date	1967
Birth place	New Zealand
Occupation	Political blogger, pollster, entrepreneur, commentator
Known for	National Party activism, Kiwiblog

David Farrar

David Farrar is a New Zealand political blogger, pollster, entrepreneur and commentator known for founding the blog Kiwiblog and for his involvement with the New Zealand National Party. He has been influential in digital commentary, public opinion research and political campaigning, engaging with figures and institutions across New Zealand politics and media. Farrar’s work intersects with public policy debates, electoral strategy and online journalism.

Early life and education

Farrar was born in New Zealand and educated in institutions within the country, attending schools that placed him in contact with civic and political networks. He pursued tertiary studies that included quantitative methods and communications, connecting him to academic circles such as University of Auckland and Victoria University of Wellington alumni networks. Early influences included involvement with youth wings of political organisations and exposure to prominent New Zealand politicians and commentators such as Jim Bolger, Jenny Shipley, and media figures at outlets like Radio New Zealand and The New Zealand Herald.

Career

Farrar established a public profile through digital media, founding the blog Kiwiblog which became a hub for commentary on elections and public policy and engaged with journalists from Stuff.co.nz, The New Zealand Herald, and broadcasters such as TVNZ and Three. His polling and analytics work linked him to research organisations and polling providers comparable to Colmar Brunton, Roy Morgan Research, and academic centres at Victoria University of Wellington and University of Canterbury. Farrar’s commentary covered campaigns involving leaders such as John Key, Bill English, Helen Clark, and Jacinda Ardern and major events like the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, the 2014 New Zealand general election, and the 2017 New Zealand general election.

Political involvement and commentary

An active participant in centre-right politics, Farrar has been associated with the New Zealand National Party and advised or collaborated with candidates and campaign teams including figures like Simon Bridges and Christopher Luxon. He wrote extensively on policy debates involving legislation such as the MMP arrangements and public responses to crises like the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand. Farrar’s commentary often engaged with commentators and politicians across the spectrum, including Winston Peters, Andrew Little, Grant Robertson, and media commentators at The Press and NZ Herald.

Business and entrepreneurship

Beyond blogging, Farrar co-founded and operated businesses in digital services, market research and campaigning tools tied to New Zealand’s commercial and political ecosystems. His entrepreneurial work intersected with technology firms and consultancies similar to Xero, Trade Me, and boutique agencies that advise on communications and polling. Farrar’s ventures involved collaboration with professionals from organisations such as IAG New Zealand, ANZ Bank New Zealand, and consultancy networks linked to the Institute of Directors in New Zealand.

Personal life

Farrar lives in Wellington City and has family ties within New Zealand’s professional and civic communities. His personal network includes interactions with journalists, politicians and academics from institutions such as Massey University, Auckland University of Technology, and civic organisations including Citizens Advice Bureau (New Zealand). He participates in public forums, panel discussions and events hosted by bodies like New Zealand Press Council and local branches of political parties.

Awards and recognition

Farrar has received recognition within New Zealand’s media and political commentary circles, being cited by journalists at TVNZ, RNZ and newspapers including The Dominion Post and The New Zealand Herald for influence in online political discourse. His blog and polling commentary have been referenced in academic work from Victoria University of Wellington and used by campaign strategists and commentators in analyses of elections such as the 2008 New Zealand general election and 2020 New Zealand general election.

Category:New Zealand bloggers Category:New Zealand political commentators