Rory Paterson is, according to available sources, a Labour Party candidate for the West Coast-Tasman electorate [17][18].
Paterson's educational background, as reported by a single secondary source, includes study at the Sydney College of Divinity from 2006 [13], the University of Canterbury from 2010 [14], and Australian Catholic University from 2019 [11]. He is also noted, according to a single reputable secondary source, as having obtained a Bachelor of Theology [12].
His career history, as recorded by single secondary sources, spans teaching and religious education roles. He is noted as having worked as a teacher [9], including at St Joseph's School Ashburton from 2011 [5], and as Deputy Principal at St Patrick's School, Greymouth from 2012 [1]. From 2016, he is reported to have worked as a classroom teacher seconded to the Catholic Education Office [6] and as a Resource Developer at the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch [4]. From 2018, he is noted as having served as Religious Education Advisor at the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch [3], and he is also described in a single source as director of religious education for that diocese [7]. He is additionally listed as a worker at the Catholic Education Office [10] and as a member of Our People at Te Kupenga - Catholic Leadership Institute [8]. An earlier role as a Funeral Director at Bell, Lamb & Trotter Funeral Directors Ltd is also noted, reportedly from 2002 [2].
According to a single reputable secondary source, Paterson was confirmed as the Labour Party candidate for West Coast-Tasman from 13 April 2026 [16][19].