Pacific lawyer aims to turn narrow 2023 loss into win for Henderson

West Auckland lawyer Angie Nicholas has been selected as the National Party candidate for Henderson in the 2026 general election.

The Cook Islands-born 31-year-old returns to the campaign trail after narrowly missing out on Parliament in 2023.

Nicholas, who grew up in West Auckland and attended Ranui Primary School and St Dominic’s College, first stood for the former Te Atu electorate, falling short by just 131 votes.

Now she hopes her local roots and a fresh start will help secure a win in Henderson.

“It’s a huge privilege, of course, to be selected as the candidate again. I never take these opportunities for granted and am looking forward to the journey ahead,” Nicholas told Pacific Mornings host William Terite.

Nicholas said her near-miss in 2023 taught her valuable lessons about community and campaigning.

Angie Nicholas says her connection to West Auckland, where she has lived for around 25 years, is central to her decision to run again. Photo/Supplied

“I think there are several learnings from the last campaign," she said. "But number one, it really showed me how much I did care for my community. I did care for my country and where it was headed."

She said being a first‑time campaigner taught her how to connect with voters. Her connection to West Auckland runs deep, something she says would shape her approach if elected.

“Having a personal connection and a link to the community does play an important part. It gives you a reason why you want to run, why that electorate,” Nicholas said.

Nicholas is one of only a few Pacific candidates standing for the National Party in the upcoming general election. Photo/Supplied

She acknowledged that it may be an uphill battle against Labour incumbent Phil Twyford, especially given the recent boundary changes.

“Campaigning comes with its challenges," Nicholas said. "With the recent boundary changes, that does add a little bit of a speed bump in the road. But we just have to hit the ground running with what we’ve been given."

On the ground in Henderson, Nicholas said the cost of living remains the leading concern for voters, with everyday expenses like housing and petrol continuing to pinch households.

“People are still feeling the pressure. Day‑to‑day expenses, housing, petrol, food costs - these are the issues that matter most,” she said.

Nicholas also spoke about the importance of Pacific representation in politics, echoing broader debate in the lead‑up to the 2026 election.

“In a lot of Pacific communities, when they see someone Pacific higher on the list or in government, of course, they will be cheering them on. They want to see that there is representation,” she said.

The Henderson race is expected to be closely contested, with Nicholas challenging Labour incumbent Phil Twyford. Photo/Supplied

That sense of representation reflects wider discussions in Pacific media about how parties approach Pacific candidates.

As coverage ahead of the election noted, “with the 2026 election on the horizon, Pacific communities are shaping up to be a key battleground” as parties consider more Pacific voices and policies that matter to Pacific families.

Political research also suggests Pacific voices and perspectives are becoming more important in New Zealand’s wider civic life.

According to a survey by the Pacific Cooperation Foundation, “90 per cent say building political, economic and social ties [with the Pacific] is essential".

Those findings point to a recognition of the significance of Pacific participation not just in local communities, but in national decision‑making - a backdrop that Nicholas says motivates her candidacy.

Watch Angee Nicholas' full interview below.

For the young Pacific legal eagle, Nicholas' choice to stand again reflects a desire to serve her community and influence change.

“I’ve always come back to why it is that I’m part of the National Party," she told Terite. "It has never been about where I sit on the list, what role I have, or what position I have. It has always been about making this country a better place."

Nicholas says she will be out meeting as many Henderson voters as possible, urging them to consider her fresh perspective and strong ties to West Auckland.

“We need change out in West Auckland. We need better advocacy through a new MP. I’m asking voters to vote for me because I’m new, I’m fresh, and I’m from the area. I’d love to represent them,” she said.