O le ala i le pule o le tautua – the road to leadership is through service. This Samoan proverb captures my life's journey and a journey demonstrated by my parents who not only understood service but demonstrated it.

Lemauga Lydia Sosene is the Labour MP for Māngere Auckland, where she lives with her husband. She is a mother to two sons and has one grandson.

Born and raised in South Auckland, her parents immigrated to Aotearoa New Zealand from Samoa, seeking better opportunities for their futures. Lemauga’s dedication to service and her community was inspired by her parents and has led her to politics.

Lemauga has a post graduate diploma in Business Administration from the University of Auckland. She has over ten 10 years’ experience as an elected local government member.

Passionate and active in the South Auckland community, Lemauga Lydia Sosene regularly helps families with matters and issues. She helps local non-profit organisations with training in leadership and governance skills, especially for young leaders. She advocates for young people to become local change-makers and to pursue entrepreneurship.