Election 2023 - Getting Candid: Lemauga Lydia Sosene, Labour Party candidate for Māngere

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

Basic bio info

Which suburb do you live in? Favona
How many children do you have? 2 children
What's your ethnic background? Samoan
What made you want to get into politics?

I’ve always been involved in community and youth work growing up, so before I started working for Vui Mark Gosche MP for Maungakiekie and then Aupito MP for Māngere, I put my name forward for Council in 2010. I thought that instead of highlighting a problem, I needed to be part of the solution. I was successful in being elected. I will always support the voices of our community because I want to make a difference.

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

As the first woman Labour candidate here in Māngere, you’ve got to be really focused. Our community is hurting, and I will be that voice for them. My strategy is getting out there, getting to understand the problems and finding solutions. I will advocate on their behalf on issues like housing, crime, cost of living, education.

Who inspires you?

Leaders like Vui Mark and Aupito but also the Wahine Toa that I’ve worked with. For me the values of my parents drive me, helping and serving one another.

What are the key issues facing people in your area?

Besides housing, crime, cost of living and education, the one thing that continues to come up, is Climate Change impacts.

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

Would have to be here at the Māngere Town Centre but there’s a lot of good eateries in the Māngere area. You have Māngere Bridge, Māngere East, Māngere Central, Airport Oaks etc. I do however like the cultural food you get at the Māngere Markets as well.

What's your message to the voters in your electorate?

The key messages are: I will look for the solutions and will be your voice around the table. The solutions must be practical and relatable to our community. We must keep putting forward the issues our community & young people raise and then come up with solutions that work. The number one priority for me, is to advocate strongly on behalf of Māngere and I will be courageous to put those concerns forward. In Parliament I will be that voice for the Māngere community.