For the last 10 years, Richard has chaired the Auckland/Northland Zone of Local Government New Zealand and also sits on its National Council. He also chairs the Auckland Community Housing Trust.

Previously, Richard was a MP for nine years and an Auckland City Councillor for 17 years. He has extensive experience as a chairperson, including several select committees in Parliament, the Accountability and Performance of Council and CCOs Committee, the Auckland District Council of Social Services. Richard was also Governing Body member of the Auckland Council.