NZ Election 2023

Takanini electorate

Takanini covers east Manurewa and the southern part of Botany and includes Wattle Downs, Takanini, The Gardens, Goodwood Heights, Manukau Heights and part of Flat Bush. The seat is currently held by Labour's Neru Leavasa, who won comfortably with a margin of 7,724. In 2020, Labour won the greatest share of party votes in Takanini – 55% to National's 30%. The electorate was established in 2020, due to the growth in Auckland’s population. The electorate is among the most ethnically diverse in the country, with 42% of people identifying as Asian, 21% as Pacific, and 17% as Māori.

Takanini candidates

Explore the candidates in your area

Rima Nakhle

National Party

Anae Neru Leavasa

Labour Party

Lynley Tulloch

Animal Justice Party

Rae Ah Chee

ACT Party

Anae Neru Leavasa

Labour Party

MP for Takanini

Why I'm standing

As a doctor serving South Auckland, I have observed the disparities in our community's health outcomes, linked to systemic challenges beyond the clinic. This experience has motivated me to advocate for change through policy advocacy, aiming to champion initiatives that uplift the health and wellbeing of our whānau. As a candidate for the beautiful Takanini electorate, I am committed to continuing to be your voice in these matters and making a difference for our community.

About me

I'm a dedicated advocate, proudly serving as Takanini's first MP. With deep roots in South Auckland for over 30 years, I'm happily married with two kids. Surviving bone cancer as a teen fueled my passion for community service. I'm a specialist GP with a degree from the University of Auckland and RNZCGP Fellowship. Beyond medicine, I've completed two Pacific missions with organisations like the Red Cross. In 2020, I entered parliament, committed to championing Takanini's diverse needs.

My priorities

  1. Safety, thriving families, community collaboration, and policy advocacy for enhanced well-being.
  2. Dedicated immigration support for diverse Takanini families, ensuring a welcoming home.
  3. Address rapid community growth, school upgrades, housing, and healthy lunches in schools.

Get across the policies, candidates and parties

Don’t know who to vote for? Policy.nz is the complete guide to the 2023 general election. Compare the parties, candidates and policies to see where you stand.

Policies

Compare the parties’ positions on the key issues this election

Candidates

See the electorate candidates running in your local area

Parties

Learn about each political party, its leaders and candidate list

Things to know...

Your two votes shape New Zealand’s next parliament. You need to be enrolled to vote.

Read explainer

  • Enrol to vote by Sunday 25 October

    You need to be enrolled before you can vote. You can enrol online at vote.nz.

  • Voting day is Saturday 7 November

    Head to your nearest voting place on the day, or vote early from 26 October.

  • You get two votes

    One for a party (the party vote) and one for a person in your area (the electorate vote).

  • Your party vote is the most powerful

    It decides how many seats each party gets in Parliament. That’s what Policy helps you figure out.