Nicola Willis is a New Zealand politician affiliated with the National Party [43] and currently serves as Minister of Finance [41].
Willis was educated at the University of Canterbury [25] and Victoria University of Wellington [28], where she was also involved in the Debating Society, according to a single secondary source [27]. She is noted, according to a single secondary source, as having studied English Literature at university [17]. Earlier in life, she held jobs selling clothes, shoes, and bagels, according to one secondary source [4].
Her career in politics and policy began with roles as a researcher and policy adviser working with Opposition Education Spokesman Bill English [7][9], and she later served as a staff member of the National Party in Opposition [15]. According to single secondary sources, she was a member of John Key's 2008 campaign team [5] and subsequently became a senior adviser to Prime Minister John Key [11][12]. She also worked as a political adviser more broadly, according to one secondary source [6].
Prior to re-entering politics, Willis held senior management roles at Fonterra [14], including a position described as GM Nutrient Management, according to a single secondary source [2]. She also served as a board member of Export NZ [21] and a board member of the New Zealand Initiative [22], both of which are confirmed across multiple sources.
Willis entered Parliament as a National list MP from around April to May 2018 [35][42], representing Wellington [34]. She stood as a candidate for the Wellington Central electorate, according to one secondary source [20]. Sources note her role as Finance Spokesperson for the National Party [32]. She has held the office of Deputy Leader of the National Party, with sources placing this from at least 2021 [30]. Following the National Party's return to government, she was appointed Minister of Finance from 27 November 2023 [41], along with the confirmed portfolios of Minister for Economic Growth [37] and Minister for Social Investment [39]. She has also been noted, according to single secondary sources, as holding the roles of Associate Minister for Climate Change [29] and Minister for the Public Service [40].