Michael was first elected to Parliament at the 2016 Mt Roskill by-election. He has held many roles in Government, including the portfolios Transport, Workplace Relations and Safety, Immigration, associate Finance and Minister for Auckland.

Michael also continues a strong association with New Zealand’s vibrant and growing Ethnic Communities owing to his previous role and the highly diverse nature of the Mt Roskill electorate he represents.

Michael is driven by the core belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to flourish and reach their potential regardless of background. Along with his wife Julie and their three young sons, Michael lives in Roskill South where he loves to tramp along the Waikowhai Coast, tends to a very neglected vegetable garden, and dreams of an alternative career as a roving international test cricket commentator.