Election 2023 - Getting Candid: Carmel Sepuloni, Labour Party candidate for Kelston

Welcome to Getting Candid, our political candidate series highlighting the Pacific politicians running in Election 2023

Basic bio info:

What's your age? 46 years old

Which suburb do you live in? Titirangi

How many children do you have? Four boys (two of them are my step-sons)

What's your ethnic background? Samoan, Tongan, Pakeha

What made you want to get into politics?

It was the opportunity to make change and a difference through politics. Many of us have grown up seeing injustice and social inequalities – if we want to effect change, politics is a key to that.

What's your plan or strategy to win a seat?

It’s not just about election year. It’s about engagement and connecting with our communities throughout the three-year term. Despite my heavy ministerial responsibilities, I’ve been active on the ground. Many of the policies we have introduced benefit so many families in my electorate, for example; Ka Ora Ka Ako – Free Lunches in Schools, expanded Childcare Assistance, removal of the $5 co-payment for prescription medicines and increases to New Zealand Superannuation.

It’s also important that we’re supporting as many people as possible to enrol to vote, and having conversations with people about what’s at stake, and how Labour can continue to support them and their whānau.

Who inspires you?

Every woman that is sitting at the table – whether that be the kitchen table, nurses room table, a staffroom table, boardroom table or the Cabinet table.

What are the key issues facing people in your area?

The cost of living, congestion and connectivity in transport, community safety and our recovery from the recent North Island extreme weather events.

What's your favourite place to eat or get a drink in your area?

I can’t name just one – there are many! I usually go to Fiesta Café for my coffees (few doors down from my electorate office), and ‘Yummy Sushi’ in Glenmall, Glen Eden (the best sushi place in Auckland!)

What's your message to the voters in your electorate or those that you're targeting for the party vote?

I’m proud to be your local MP, advocating for our communities in Kelston and delivering for Auckland.

I want to acknowledge the strength and resilience of our community following a turbulent last few years – a pandemic, the cost of living, and most recently, the Auckland floods.

As one of the first people at the St Leonard's School evacuation centre on January 27, I know how important responsive leadership is. We are so fortunate to have strong leadership across our community.

You have been front of mind in all decisions our Government has made. That’s why we scrapped the $5 co-payment for prescription medicines, introduced free public transport for kids aged 5 to 12 and are making early childhood education more affordable.

This election I’m asking you to vote two ticks for Labour so that I can continue to make Kelston the best place to live, work, do business and raise a family.