Green candidate Michel Mulipola takes aim at Labour in Māngere

For years, Māngere has been one of Labour's safest electorates.

Now, Green Party candidate Michel Mulipola says it's time for voters to take a fresh look at their options.

The Sāmoan artist, activist and former Disney story artist has launched a challenge in the South Auckland seat, arguing Labour has become complacent after decades of dominance.

"Māngere is traditionally a Labour stronghold but because of that safety, Labour have become complacent," Mulipola told William Terite on Pacific Mornings.

"They haven't had to work for this election in a long time."

Mulipola's comments come as political parties ramp up efforts to win Pacific support ahead of this year's general election.

Māngere has long been one of Labour's safest electorates and is home to one of New Zealand's largest Pacific communities. Photo/LDR/aboutmangerebridge.nz

Long seen as a Labour stronghold, Pacific voters are increasingly being courted by parties across the political spectrum.

Mulipola said standing for Parliament was never part of his plans for 2026.

"Running as a Green Party candidate for Māngere this election wasn't actually on my cards for 2026," he said.

Sāmoan artist, activist and Green Party candidate Michel Mulipola says he was "voluntold" to stand after discussions with community members about Māngere's future. Photo/PMN News/Atutahi Potaka-Dewes/file

"But when myself and some trusted community members in Māngere talked about what kind of person Māngere needs to advocate for them, the fingers pointed to me.

"I was essentially voluntold to stand."

Born and raised in Māngere, Mulipola is known internationally for his creative work with Marvel, WWE and Disney's Moana 2.

He says his commitment to community service and his family's history of activism helped shape his decision to enter politics.

He believes many Pacific families are looking for alternatives to the traditional Labour-National contest.

"I want our communities to see that there are options beyond the political duopoly of red versus blue," he said.

Michel Mulipola says issues such as housing, the cost of living, health and unemployment remain top concerns for families across Māngere and South Auckland. Photo/healthyfamiliessouthauckland.nz

"The Green Party kaupapa is one that best aligns with our indigenous and cultural practices, looking after one another, sharing what we have, and looking after the whenua."

While Labour remains the dominant force in the electorate, Mulipola rejects suggestions that a stronger Green campaign risks splitting the left vote.

"With MMP, there's no splitting the left vote," he told Terite. "My focus this election is to grow the party vote for the Greens in Māngere.

"People can still vote for Labour for the electorate if they want to but the real power is in the party vote for the Greens."

Mulipola says the issues raised most often by residents are familiar ones: the cost of living, housing, unemployment, health and climate resilience.

"Māngere and communities like Māngere are the hardest hit when it comes to unemployment, homelessness, housing, health issues, cost of living," he said.

Watch Michel Mulipola's full interview below.

He also wants to lift voter turnout in South Auckland where participation rates have traditionally been lower than in many other parts of the country.

"Whether you vote or not, your life will be directly affected by the decisions made by those who always vote," Mulipola said.

"I aim to engage with my community in creative ways and turn the statistics around this election by aiming for higher enrolments, empower our people to understand their voice matters."

And while he says growing the Green vote is his main goal, Mulipola made it clear Labour should not expect an easy ride.

"Don't get twisted though," he said. "Even though my main focus is for the Greens party vote, I'm still going to make Labour work for this Māngere seat."

The 2026 General Election is on 7 November.