Election 2023 - Getting Candid: Terisa Ngobi, Labour candidate for Ōtaki

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

Basic bio info

What's your age? 43 
Which suburb do you live in? Levin 
How many children do you have? 3 
What's your ethnic background? Samoan/Chinese/German on Mum’s side and Scottish/Irish on Dad’s side. 

What made you want to get into politics?

Politics was not my career goal. I have lived in the Ōtaki electorate for over 40 years and understand the local issues and knew the only government that would support us to live our best lives is a Labour government and so in 2020 I campaigned to ensure we returned a Labour government and was humbled to also win the seat.

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

I am campaigning for every vote by door knocking, phone calling, street corner meetings, attending all the community events I can. I also hope that over the last three years people will see that I have always been present in our electorate attending all the community events I can. Attending all the markets regularly. Visiting Schools, rest homes, community groups, NGOs, Pasifika groups, Iwi groups, Rainbow Peoples, Seniors groups, Churches, disability groups and more. I hope that the people of the Ōtaki​ electorate will see that I am a true electorate MP.

Who inspires you?

This is so hard – to pick one person. I would say God guides me, Mum Dad and my husband support me but are all equally inspiring …. my kids Azaria, Vito and Tebasawa they inspire me they are amazing – our future and motivate me to do better.

What are the key issues facing people in your area?

The same as many other electorates cost of living, housing, education, social issues and accessibility to transport. That is why I am proud to say that under this Government and with my advocacy I have secured O2NL, secured a regular train service from Waikanae to Palmerston North, supported the $11.8 million investment in to the clean up of Lake Horowhenua, and the $8.5 million investment in to Waikanae Estuary while also having 18 schools deliver the Labour Governments Free Lunches in Schools and upgrading three Pacific churches.

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

Honest we have all the best eatery’s in the Otaki electorate but I'd have to say Home.

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

Free lunches in Schools, Winter Energy Payment, Fair Pay Agreements, Minimum Wage Increases, Matariki, Scrapping of the $5.00 prescription fees – there is so much at risk this election. Only a Labour government will ensure we continue to support the people of New Zealand, grow our economy and have record investments in infrastructure, Māori, Pacific, Women, Seniors, People with Disabilities, Rainbow Peoples – all New Zealanders. Labour continues to be the party for the people.