He is ambitious, no doubt about that, and from a young age wanted to be a pilot.
While working as a radio station he studied mathematics so he could qualify for a crack at a role with the RNZAF.
In 1991 he passed the entrance exam and went on to learn to fly helicopters.
He then eventually stepped up to fixed wings - large, passenger ones.
It was last year while the specialist needs of their youngest child Chloe saw him increasingly involved in social and medical issues that he was drawn toward politics and the way it could effect changes and improve the greater landscape of everyone's lives.
"I went to see the National Party and asked, given my life and experiences, if they reckoned I'd be any good.
"They said yes, and here we are."
He in unfazed by the doubters who like to mention that he actually lives in Havelock North, as Napier has long been a part of his life - and his family's lives.
His great-grandmother, grandfather and his father were all born and raised in Napier.
And as a youngster and teenager he spent a lot of his time in the seaside city which he said he had always considered to be "the coolest little city in New Zealand".
And in terms of regions, Hawke's Bay is tops on his list, as he illustrated in settling terms given his piloting role with Cathay Pacific meant he had the option of being based in Melbourne after he and wife Raewyn moved out of Hong Kong where the airline had its HQ.
But no, he chose the Bay he grew up in and they set up house in Havelock North.
Which when it came to putting his name forward to be National's Napier candidate it caused some raised eyebrows.
He had aimed for the Tuki Tuki role but Lawrence Yule got that nod.
Mr Elliott said he was not fazed by what people said about his living just outside the electorate he is aiming for.
"Nope, it is what it is."
He said after living "cheek to jowl" in Hong Kong the family wanted semi-rural peace and quiet, and politics did not figure in that choice then.
But would a move be on the menu if he took the seat?
"Yes...my great-grandfather helped build Napier and I've said we would move if I win...I've had plenty of offers already while door-knocking and Raewyn showed me one she liked just the other day."
His wife was initially a little surprised at his decision to stand but was supportive.
"I would not have stood without her support - she's an incredible woman."
How about Taygen, Nathan and Chloe...the kids?
"They'd prefer me to stay as a pilot - apparently it's a cooler job and pays more."
But he wants to have a stake in making what he called a "vibrant and exciting" city and region even better.
"I want us to have everything - more infrastructure, better access, more sporting events, more visitors and more opportunities for our youth."
