Tangi’s professional background combines Local Government and Education. Tangi’s connection to the community is wide and his understanding of the issues that affect the lives and livelihoods of New Zealanders is vast.
Prior to his election as the Member of Parliament for the Palmerston North Electorate in 2020, Tangi served 10 years on the City Council, and was the city’s first elected member of Pasifika heritage. Tangi was appointed Deputy Mayor in 2016, a position he held until his election to Parliament.
Whilst a member of the City Council, Tangi made it his priority to work with people from right across the political spectrum. Combined with his focus on policy and practice, Tangi made a significant contribution to the areas of multiculturalism, education, resource management and racing.
Tangi is currently the opposition spokesperson for Local Government, Transport, Small Business, and Racing, alongside being a member of Parliament’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee. He has also recently served as a member of the Privileges Committee and Parliamentary Services Commission.
During the current Parliamentary term, Tangi has also been opposition spokesperson for Oceans and Fisheries and Associate Education (Pacific), as well as Labour’s Chief Whip.
Since entering Parliament, Tangi has been a member of the Governance & Administration and Environment Select Committees, and the Chair of Parliament’s Health Select Committee. He has also spent time as a Junior Government Whip and Chief Government Whip.
Tangi holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a Triple Major in History, Political Science and Social Policy, along with a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) from Massey University.
