Born in Westport and raised in Kaikōura, Tom Spooner is a maintenance engineer, business owner, and engineering leader with more than 20 years' experience across mining, energy, marine, tourism, food manufacturing, and dairy processing.

Tom began his career working in his family's backpackers business before spending time in Japan working for Suzuki. After completing his engineering apprenticeship and Trade Certificate in Maintenance and Diagnostics Engineering, he went on to work throughout New Zealand and overseas before establishing his own specialist engineering consultancy.

Today, Tom works with high-hazard industries, helping organisations improve safety, reliability, and performance. His experience has given him a practical understanding of the importance of productivity, efficiency, and getting the basics right.

With strong ties to Kaikōura and the wider region, Tom is passionate about reducing unnecessary regulation, lowering the cost of living, and creating opportunities for people and businesses to thrive. Outside work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits, and is currently working towards his pilot's licence.